Kimberly-Clark to Receive $28 Million in Tax Incentives, Keep Facilities Open

The state of Wisconsin
will give Kimberly-Clark $28 million in tax incentives to keep the Cold Spring
facility open in Fox Crossing. Governor Scott Walker made the announcement
Thursday afternoon at the facility – joined by State Senator Roger Roth and
Kimberly-Clark executive Colin Smyser. 

The five-year agreement is contingent on
job retention, capital investment, and supply chain purchases. Kimberly-Clark
has reportedly agreed to $200 million in upgrades to the Cold Spring facility,
which employs about 390 people. 

The company announced global restructuring
plans that included the possible closure of two facilities in the Fox Valley.
Kimberly-Clark planned to shift work to another facility in Arkansas if no tax incentives were offered. A
bill offering an incentives package worth $100 million stalled twice in the
legislature. 

Governor-elect Tony Evers tweeted about the announcement, accusing
Republicans of playing politics and “leaving Kimberly-Clark workers and their
families in the dark and uncertain about their futures.” He also remarked
that recently passed legislation by state Republicans would prevent him from
making a similar deal when he takes office.