CEREMONY SET FOR OCTOBER 1ST

Wisconsin Rapids, WI- Earlier this year, another bright spot in our economy emerged when Matalco, Inc. announced its selection of Wisconsin Rapids with plans to invest over $80 million to construct a manufacturing facility in the Rapids East Commerce Center. At that time, the project was pending City approvals on real estate sales and development agreements.

“I am pleased to announce the Matalco project has reached another milestone,” Mayor Zach Vruwink said. “All approvals from state and local agencies have been secured and the necessary permits have been issued to begin construction,'' he added.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the plant has been slated for October 1, 12:00 pm at the construction site, 4800 Commerce Drive, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494.

This new 110,000 square foot manufacturing plant will be equipped with the latest advanced technology and will employ 80 permanent, full-time personnel with an annual production in excess of 230 million pounds of high-quality aluminum billet. The plans for this facility will ensure service to both existing customers and prospective clients and expand their market share.

About Matalco Inc. (www.matalco.com) Matalco Inc. is a leading producer of state-of-the-art aluminum extrusion and forging grade billet and rolling ingot slab manufactured primarily from scrap aluminum. Matalco Inc. has four plants strategically located in Brampton, Ontario; Canton, Ohio; Lordstown, Ohio and Bluffton, Indiana to serve our North American customers, with a combined annual production capacity of over 1 billion pounds of high-quality billet and slab ingot. Our facilities are designed with maximum efficiency and sustainability in mind, from minimizing carbon emissions with a highly efficient natural gas system, to utilizing technologically advanced homogenizing ovens, high efficiency furnaces and packing lines. The company provides LEED® qualified material and is both ISO 9001 and 14001 certified. Matalco prides itself as being North America’s largest independent operator of remelt facilities and an affiliate of Triple M Metal LP, Canada’s largest processor of recycled metal and top 10 in North America in terms of volume processed and shipped. This strategic relationship ensures that Matalco is provided with a stable and ready supply of scrap.

About The Giampaolo Group The Giampaolo Group is a fully integrated metal management group company featuring Triple M Metal LP, one of North America’s largest ferrous and non-ferrous metals recycling and processing operations; Venture Steel Inc., a steel processor and distributor of metal with a distinct focus on flat rolled steel products; Matalco Inc., a leading producer of extrusion grade aluminum billet, forging stock and rolling ingot slab manufactured primarily from scrap aluminum and Global Electric Electronic Processing (GEEP), a global leader in electronic asset management, data erasure for secure reuse and safe, compliant end-of-life electronics recycling for maximum resource recovery and diversion from landfill.

For more information on the groundbreaking event, contact Jennifer Clark at 715-421-8216 or jclark@wirapids.org

(Sept. 16. 2019 - Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.) The reconstruction of the Centralia Parking lot is anticipated to start on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

The lot will be reconstructed in 3 phases in effort to keep the parking lot open as much as possible. The dates indicated will be dependent on weather and contractor availability.

Phase 1, September 18:
The project will start with curb and gutter work on the islands and running electrical conduit for the replacement parking lot lighting. During phase 1 the parking lot will remain open and the majority of the asphalt will remain in place. We are expecting the City’s contractor will pour the curb and gutter the week of Sept. 23. Patrons will be able to park just about everywhere they can presently.

Phase 2, October 8:
In this phase, City staff will be working on the west ½ of the lot and the new entrance. Work will include removing asphalt, grading, and some curb and gutter work. Patrons will be able to park on the remaining asphalt during phase 2.

Phase 3, October 22:
In phase 3, City staff will be working on the east ½ of the lot. Work will include removing asphalt, grading, and potentially some curb and gutter work. Patrons will be parking on the base material prepared in phase 2 during phase 3 activities.

Asphalt Paving:
Finish grading and asphalt paving will take place on or about Oct. 28. That date is yet to be confirmed and we are going to try to schedule that work for a Saturday to minimize inconvenience/conflicts. Most of the lot is planned to be finish paved at this time. Because the asphalt work will be coordinated with the apartment developer, there may be some areas with only a first binder layer of asphalt if the apartment complex is not ready for final paving at the same time as the City.

The illustrations show the curb, gutter, and parking lot work phasing.

For more information, or for any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 715-421-8255.

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(Wisconsin Rapids, WI) Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zach Vruwink, in partnership with River Riders Bike Share, is hosting another Bike Ride with the Mayor event on Monday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Veterans’ Memorial Park. This is the second ride with the Mayor this season after having a successful first ride in August.

River Riders Bike Share started in 2014 and was spearheaded by community members who saw the need for transportation and recreation options in Wisconsin Rapids. River Riders Bike Share is focused on making sure that biking is for all and that residents and visitors will have increased access to transportation, recreation, and physical activity opportunities.

Recognizing the positive impact this program has had on our community, Mayor Vruwink and the bike share team created the Bike Ride with the Mayor event in hopes that it will promote community involvement, physical activity, and give community members a different view of our city.

Wisconsin Rapids is experiencing a period of brand-new developments and road improvements almost everywhere you look, among them, bike-friendly initiatives! The Bike Ride with the Mayor event will allow community members to ask Mayor Vruwink questions about new developments, understand the timelines of projects, and learn how bright the future is for our city.

There will be bicycle safety materials, helmets, water bottles, and reusable bags to give away! Bring your family, bring your friends, and bring your biking gear on Monday, September 16th at 6:00 p.m. at the Veterans’ Memorial Park to enjoy an evening with your Mayor!