WISCONSIN (CBS 58) — Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development have announced $6.6 million in grants aimed at training more than 3,800 workers across the state in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

The funding is being awarded through the Wisconsin Training for Resilient Advanced Industry Needs program, known as WisTRAIN. State officials say 82 employers are receiving funding to provide occupational skills training to 3,823 Wisconsin workers.

WisTRAIN is supported by federal funding and focuses on employer-driven training tied to advanced manufacturing, AI, automation, robotics, cybersecurity, data analytics and other rapidly changing technologies.

“Here in Wisconsin, we’re ensuring our state can continue to compete and be a leader in new and innovative industries, and a big part of that work is investing in workforce training to prepare our workforce for the future,” Evers said. “Making sure Wisconsin is prepared to create jobs for the future and meet the rapidly evolving needs of a 21st-century economy must be a top priority.”

A significant portion of the funding is headed to employers across southeastern Wisconsin. 

Two Waukesha County employers, Dynamic Tool Corporation and INNIO Jenbacher North America LLC, were each awarded $330,000.

Dynamic Tool plans to train 52 current employees and four new hires in advanced manufacturing technology, CNC machining, precision measurement, automation and workplace AI tools.

INNIO Jenbacher will use its grant to train 20 current workers and 50 new employees as the company launches a new manufacturing capability at its Waukesha facility. 

Sargento Cheese Inc. in Sheboygan County was awarded $312,699 to provide on-the-job training for 126 current employees as manufacturing operations are relocated to a new 384,000-square-foot facility with new integrated equipment and enhanced ergonomics. 

Matenaer Corporation in Washington County was awarded $239,008 to train 160 workers, including four new employees, as the company implements an advanced smart manufacturing platform. 

Several Milwaukee County employers are also among the recipients.

HellermannTyton Corporation received $180,000 to train 50 employees through a workforce development partnership focusing on foundational AI skills, technology proficiency and an employer-specific capstone project. 

Microbial Discovery Group LLC was awarded $168,000 to train 35 employees across its fermentation, engineering, maintenance and process-development teams. Training will include advanced fermentation operations, manufacturing analytics, AI-enabled manufacturing systems and project management. 

Cream City Cyber LLC received $79,200 to train 12 workers through a 12-week program covering governance, risk and compliance, cloud security and AI-informed risk practices. 

Adept Manufacturing and Gauging LLC was awarded $33,000 to provide hands-on training for five new employees in CNC machining, precision inspection and parts manufacturing. 

Develop America Inc. received $13,200 to train two current workers in generative AI, prompt engineering, workflow automation and responsible AI governance, while INNOFAB LLC received $13,200 to train two employees in areas including quality control, industrial controls, data analytics and AI-enabled productivity. 

Waukesha County is home to several additional recipients.

Benz Metal Products Inc. was awarded $168,477 to train 40 employees in areas including AI, data analytics, fabrication, machining, computer-aided design and manufacturing, predictive maintenance and leadership. 

Miro Manufacturing Inc. received $102,240 to train 22 employees to apply AI to metal stamping, forming, welding and machining automation. 

Heraeus Electro-Nite Co. LLC was awarded $84,817 for manufacturing, automation, robotics and advanced troubleshooting training, while Midwest Engineered Systems Inc. received $80,000 to train employees in robotics integration, digital twins, predictive maintenance and AI-assisted diagnostics and quality inspection. 

Pinewood Tool LLC received $79,199, Performance Coatings LLC was awarded $51,548, MetalTek International's Wisconsin Centrifugal Division received $41,984 and Chr. Hansen Inc. was awarded $30,746.

Farris Automated Systems LLC and Automation Solutions LLC also received grants for robotics, software development, cybersecurity and industrial technology training.

Employers in Ozaukee, Kenosha, Walworth, Dodge and Sheboygan counties are also receiving funding.

ATACO Steel Products Corporation in Ozaukee County received $25,884 for robotic welding and engineering training.

Jouett Holdings LLC in Kenosha County was awarded $13,200 to train two employees in AI foundations, generative AI, prompt engineering and workflow automation.

In Walworth County, Palmer Hamilton LLC received $50,000 for training in manufacturing data analysis, digital workflows, automation, process control and industrial cybersecurity. Professional Power Products Inc. received $26,080, while Midwest Precision Molding Inc. was awarded $6,711. 

Old World Creamery LLC in Sheboygan County received $38,080 to train 28 workers to serve as on-site experts supporting digital manufacturing tools, automation troubleshooting and food-safety compliance.

Georgia-Pacific LLC received $39,600 to train six maintenance technicians in digital documentation, AI-powered knowledge platforms and troubleshooting methods in partnership with Lakeshore Technical College. 

Wisconsin Dairy Distributing LLC in Dodge County was awarded $38,080 to train 28 workers in digital manufacturing technologies, automation, process improvement and food-safety compliance. 

The grants also include consortium projects.

Develop America Inc. will work with four Tribal-owned construction companies to train 22 workers to incorporate AI into estimating, project planning, field operations, business development and management. Southeastern Wisconsin participants include Allen Remodeling LLC in Waukesha County, Hero Plumbing LLC in Milwaukee County and Seven Generation Contractors LLC in Walworth County. 

Another consortium led by Two3 Solutions LLC in Waukesha County will provide professional development to 14 workers at Two3 Solutions and Brew City Install LLC in areas including leadership, project management, customer service, workplace safety and technology skills. 

“We’re excited for the possibilities that these projects provide to Wisconsin employers and workers to gain new skills to succeed in emerging and high-demand industries like advanced manufacturing,” DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. “The WisTRAIN grants will boost our state’s economic competitiveness and help ensure all Wisconsin workers can benefit from a dynamic, growing economy.”

According to DWD, WisTRAIN can reimburse employers for up to 80% of eligible training expenses, with a maximum reimbursement of $6,600 per trainee and $330,000 for an individual grantee or consortium. 

The program is intended to help employers adapt as manufacturing and other industries increasingly incorporate AI, automation and other advanced technologies while giving workers additional skills for jobs in those fields.