Historically a hub for agriculturally-based products, Baldwin is now a viable retail and service oriented community, as well.
"We are well Diversified and economically strong," comments Dale Fern, retired President of First National Bank of Baldwin. "The village is cooperative and willing to assist development. Council members have been very responsive to industrial growth in Baldwin."
After being with the bank for over 40 years, Fern has seen change in business and industry in Baldwin. He says there has always been companies inquiring, interested in locating here. Recently construction on the south edge of the village just a half mile off of Interstate 94, the Baldwin Industrial Park now offers ample industrial and commercial space, with 45 acres still available for potential developers.
Utilities, including sewer, water, gas and electric are all installed, as well as fiber optics made available through Baldwin Telecom. Two firms, K-Tek Corporation, a metal stamping and assembly plant, and Northern Metals Incorporated, a metal fabrication plant, are currently located along the northern edge of the park.
The latest traffic count shows up to 9,000 cars a day take the Baldwin exit off I-94, heading north on Highway 63. With this high visibility advantage, a close proximity to St. Paul/Minneapolis metro area only 35 minutes to the west, Baldwin is a choice spot, with "hometown" advantages, for business to locate.
New industries locating in Baldwin are sold on the western Wisconsin work ethic of goodwill, hard work and excellent capabilities. Contour Plastics, Inc., a firm nearly doubling its size since it moved into Baldwin a couple years ago, recently was awarded the high honor of Wisconsin's Manufacturer of the Year.
Baldwin Industrial Park is also in a Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) district, which means taxes generated within the district remain there to further development within the property, and keep costs lower.
Besides the industrial park, leading employers in Baldwin include Ideal Door Company, manufacturer of residential and large commercial garage doors, and Donaldson Company, an international firm based in Minneapolis specializing in dust collectors. Fairest Foods, Inc., formerly of' Shakopee, MN, located in the vacated creamery building on the east end of town, and found perfect quarters for their deli products manufacturing plant.
Van Someren Transfer, Inc., is a third generation owned trucking firm formed in 1917, now run by brothers Phillip and Keith. Originator, John F. Van Someren was one of the first to join the Interstate Commerce Commission. Heebink Millwork, Inc., is one of the oldest manufacturers in town, 1992 being its centennial year. Michael Heebink is now the fourth generation owner of the custom woodworking facility.
According to Dale Fern, Main Street businesses, are generally full. A variety of shops line the original site of Baldwin's earliest business district, and include restaurants and variety stores. Abakery, jewelers, barber and beauty shop, as well as pharmaceuticals, gifts and antiques are also available. Professional offices include accountants, lawyers and insurance agents. Two grocery stores and a hardware store are located off Main Street at convenient locations.
Hillcrest Professional Building, a privately owned office park to the north of Baldwin, currently provides space for a realtor, chiropractor, dentist, attorney, accountant, insurance agent and aDNR Water and Soil Conservation facility, among, others. A UPS terminal is located in the same area.
The St. Croix County Agricultural Center is located just to the west of Baldwin's downtown district on Highway 63. Housed within the complex are the offices of Land Conservation, Farm Services Agency (FSA), Rural Economic and Community Development (RECD), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the University Extension, with agents in the areas of family living, agriculture and 4-H youth development.
Some of Baldwin's expansion was an outgrowth of the Baldwin Improvement Corporation, began by private individuals in 1958. The group's initial purpose was to help construct and improve Community Center Offices, a library and post office.
Village quarters were formerly housed in the basement of the First National Bank of Baldwin at the corner of Main Street and Hwy 63, until space disallowed it. Baldwin improvement Corporation was also instrumental in constructing a facility for Circuitron, now CTS Corporation, a printed wiring board manufacturer, along Hwy. 63 at the south end of Baldwin. Still active, the Baldwin improvement Corporation strives for civic improvement and economic development.
Clopay Bldg Products Co., 335 employees
Donldson Co., Inc., Dust collectors, 300 employees
Baldwin Hospital, Inc., 130 employees
United Parcel Service, 76 employees
K-Tek Corp., Metal stamping/assembly, 60 employees
Northern Metals, Inc., fabrication, 45 employees
Jonquist Family Farms, food products, 40 employees
The First National Bank, 30 employees
Baldwin
Area Medical Clinic, 30 employees
Contour Plastics, Inc., plastic molding, 30 employees
St. Croix Electric Co-op, 24 employees
Midwest Custom Processing, grinding, 15 employees
St. Croix County Labor Force
St. Croix County has a labor force of 25,673 workers with an unemployment rate of 3.4%. The average weekly manufacturing wage in the county is $446.00,significantly lower than the state-wide average of $515.00. The average weekly wage for all industriesin the county is $342.00, compared to the state-wide average of $401.00 (DILHR June, 1990).
For Information on Business and Industry in Baldwin contact:
Jon Mentink
First Bank of Baldwin
990 Main Street
Baldwin, WI 54002
call (715)684-3366.
Baldwin Village Hall
(715)684-3426
St. Croix Economic Development Corp
(715)381-4383