State Representative Peter Barca says he and some other unnamed officials expect to meet soon with representatives of Foxconn, the Taiwan-based electronics company that’s planning to build a huge manufacturing plant somewhere in the U.S., possibly in Wisconsin. The plant and related suppliers reportedly could employee up to 10,000 workers.
In an interview Tuesday with WGTD, the Kenosha Democrat wouldn’t elaborate on the pending meeting. "It'll be very interesting to hear what their major issues and concerns are," Barca said.
Wisconsin is believed to be in competition with several other states.
One of Foxconn's concerns, Barca said, will likely be the state’s workforce and the much-publicized skills gap. The state would more than likely be forced to spend more on education and training if Foxconn or some other major, mega employer would choose Wisconsin, Barca said.
Last week State Representative Robin Vos described transportation funding as an important element of attracting a company like Foxconn. He's pushing for completion of I-94 expansion through Racine County.
Vos is Assembly Majority Leader while Barca leads Assembly Democrats. Barca also sits on the board of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
Foxconn has said it plans to make a decision on its U.S. plant site sometime this month.
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