Maxon Industries, the Milwaukee-founded maker of concrete-placing equipment, is gearing up for a roughly $2.8 million expansion on the city’s north side that company and city officials say will bring about 25 new jobs. The longtime manufacturer plans to buy about 1.6 acres of city-owned land and add new shop space in two phases at its plant on West Mill Road, with heavier cranes and expanded storage on the way. The land sale cleared the Common Council in early June at a purchase price of $125,000.
According to the city’s Land Disposition Report, the expansion carries a project budget of roughly $2.8 million, with about $1.6 million set aside for building work and about $1.2 million for heavy equipment. That shopping list includes 20-ton cranes, a plasma table and ventilated welding stations. Phase one is expected to add about 9,000 square feet, with phase two bringing another 8,000 square feet, pushing the plant toward approximately 45,000 square feet when both are complete. The report lists Maxon’s current workforce at 22 employees and forecasts 25 new hires across assembly, engineering, service and administrative roles.
Council Approval And Next Steps
The offer for part of 6600 North Teutonia Avenue won committee support in late May and was adopted by the Common Council on June 2, with the mayor signing off shortly after, according to municipal records. The Daily Reporter notes that Maxon will purchase about 1.6 acres to stitch that parcel to its existing property at 3204 West Mill Road. City staff told council members the company must complete a certified survey map, coordinate a median cut with the Department of Public Works and secure any necessary Board of Zoning Appeals approvals before the sale can close.
What The Jobs Mean For The North Side
The planned openings, including assembly, service technician, engineering and administrative positions, are listed in city paperwork as coming with full benefits such as a 401(k), profit sharing and health insurance. No one is pretending 25 jobs will flip the north side labor market overnight, but the move is another data point showing manufacturers still willing to put money into bricks, mortar and machinery in Milwaukee. Regional industrial trends are headed in the same direction, with Cushman & Wakefield reporting continued demand for industrial space across the metro area that developers say is nudging smaller manufacturers to expand where they can.
Practical Hurdles And Timeline
The Land Disposition Report spells out a to-do list before the city hands over the deed. Maxon must prepare a certified survey map, pay for any needed median modifications, obtain all required permits and follow the deed restrictions, including a prohibition on seeking tax-exempt status, before the conveyance closes. Construction and equipment purchases are expected to roll out in phases once permits are in hand, pairing building work with shop upgrades and new machining gear. At closing, the city will subtract any outstanding taxes, interest and fees from the sale proceeds, with remaining funds split between the Redevelopment Authority and the city’s Tax Deficit Fund under the agreed terms.
Maxon, a family-owned operation that has been in business since 1972, has supplied concrete-handling equipment for major infrastructure projects around the world, according to the company website. Maxon Industries and the city’s Department of City Development highlighted the expansion in a Facebook announcement that previewed the planned work. City and company representatives said permitting and site work are expected to start this summer, with hiring phased in as new production capacity comes online.
