By David Murchland - Marshfield Now!
MARSHFIELD — Community leaders, employees, union representatives, business partners, and residents gathered to celebrate a major milestone for one of Marshfield's longest-standing manufacturers as Weinbrenner Shoe Company officially opened its new manufacturing facility.
The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of a significant investment in the company's future and reaffirmed its commitment to American manufacturing and the Marshfield community.
Denise Sonnemann of the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed guests and reflected on the company's longstanding connection to the community. She shared that her grandmother had worked for Weinbrenner decades ago, illustrating how generations of local families have been connected to the company throughout its history.
Marshfield Mayor Nick Poeschel praised Weinbrenner's role in the community, noting that the company traces its Marshfield roots back to 1935, when local leaders came together during the Great Depression to create jobs and economic opportunity.
"Weinbrenner has a long history in the City of Marshfield," Poeschel said. "It's the perfect example of what can happen when a community comes together."
Brian Kettner, speaking on behalf of the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce, congratulated the company on the completion of the new facility and thanked company leadership for continuing to invest in Wisconsin workers and communities.
"This is a huge upgrade and a huge investment," Kettner said. "We really value businesses like Weinbrenner that help grow our cities, our communities, and our families."
Labor advocate David Nipp, known as "Proud Union Guy," emphasized the significance of the project for American manufacturing and organized labor. He noted that while many footwear manufacturers have moved production overseas, Weinbrenner has remained committed to producing quality footwear in Wisconsin.
"This isn't just the opening of a new building," Nipp said. "It's a statement that American manufacturing still matters. It's a statement that union labor still matters."
Nipp highlighted that nearly 80 percent of the project's construction contracts were awarded to union contractors and praised the skilled tradespeople who helped build the facility. He also recognized the union workforce that manufactures Thorogood boots, products used daily by workers across numerous industries throughout the country.
The ceremony concluded with remarks from Jeff Burns, President of Weinbrenner Shoe Company, who described the new facility as both a milestone and a statement about the company's future.
Founded in 1892 by Albert H. Weinbrenner, the company has remained committed to the principles of quality and integrity for more than 130 years, Burns said. Despite decades of pressure that led many manufacturers to move production overseas, Weinbrenner chose a different path.
"Many companies picked up their production and moved it overseas," Burns said. "But Weinbrenner did not. We stayed put."
Burns said the new facility was built to support the company's growing Thorogood brand, improve operational efficiency, and provide employees with a workplace they can be proud of.
More importantly, he said, the investment demonstrates the company's confidence in American manufacturing and its commitment to Marshfield.
"We are here, we are growing, and we are not going anywhere," Burns told the crowd.
Burns thanked employees, management, suppliers, construction partners, city officials, and board members for helping bring the project to completion. He credited the company's workforce as the foundation of its success and said their dedication and craftsmanship have allowed Weinbrenner to thrive for generations.
As the ribbon was cut, Burns said the new facility sends a clear message about the future of American manufacturing.
"American manufacturing is alive," he said. "We are proud of where we work, we are proud of how we work, and we are proud of what we make."
The new facility will support the continued production of Thorogood work boots, helping ensure that Weinbrenner's tradition of American-made craftsmanship continues in Marshfield for generations to come.