Contact: Amy Hasenberg, (608) 266-2839
MADISON – Governor Scott Walker announced today that Drexel Building Supply Inc., a leading provider of building materials and design services to professional contractors and homeowners, is constructing a new facility in Columbus, a $2.1 million project expected to create 113 new jobs over the next three years.
“In addition to the good-paying jobs created by this project, this expansion allows Drexel Building Supply to take advantage of a growing market and position itself for future growth,” said Governor Walker. “This investment is the latest example of the many companies choosing to establish or expand operations in Wisconsin because of our strong business climate and dedicated workforce.”
Drexel Building Supply offers a variety of services to professional contractors, including millwork, design, product installation, logistics, distribution and marketing. The company, based in Campbellsport, has more than 250 full-time employees in Berlin, Brookfield, Campbellsport, Kiel, Sheboygan Falls and Wrightstown.
“Building a new home or tackling a remodeling project is an important time. It is Drexel’s mission to supply happiness throughout each project making it a unique, enjoyable and exciting experience for our clients,” said Joel Fleischman, owner and president of Drexel Building Supply. “Our mission goes beyond our store’s walls. We want to impact our clients, our team and our community in positive and amazing ways daily.”
To support the expansion plans, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has authorized up to $450,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits Drexel will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment made during that time.
Drexel Building Supply started as Campbellsport Building Supply in 1985 when Albert Fleischman purchased a lumberyard from Brittingham & Hixton Lumber Co. Initially the company focused its business on contractor sales and over the years the company increased its presence in Wisconsin by purchasing other building material and design companies. In 2012, the company was rebranded as Drexel Building Supply.
In addition to the 113 jobs expected to be created by Drexel Building Supply, an economic modeling study estimates the project could indirectly generate 44 additional jobs in the region. Those 157 new jobs are expected to generate more than $1.6 million in state income tax revenue over a five-year period.
The project is also being supported by a $185,000 Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) grant that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) awarded to the City of Columbus in April. That grant is being used to support the extension of Hall Road and improvements to Wisconsin Highway 16. The Hall Road extension will serve the new Drexel Building Supply site, providing truck access to the facility’s lumber storage area as well as customer access to the facility.
