JEFFERSON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Last year, leaders from Wisconsin and Japan got together to celebrate 50 years of soy sauce production in the Badger State.

Kikkoman Foods Inc. has made soy sauce in Walworth County since 1973. On Tuesday, April 23, we learned Kikkoman Foods is planning to expand its Wisconsin operation, and Governor Tony Evers announced the state will offer $15.5 million in performance-based tax credits to help. 

Kikkoman plans to invest at least $800 million to expand its existing plant and build a new facility in Jefferson. 

The project is expected to create 83 high-paying jobs over 12 years. 

“We have always valued Walworth for its great market access, outstanding workforce, central location for raw materials, pure water, and the open-hearted spirit of partnership of the local community,” said Mr. Yuzaburo Mogi, honorary chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Kikkoman Corp. “We chose Jefferson for those same reasons, and we look forward to expanding our footprint in Wisconsin and establishing a supply chain with increased stability in North America, Kikkoman’s largest overseas market.”