Targeted Industries

Fond du Lac County’s pursuit of a diverse economy starts with expanding existing business and attracting new business to the community. Targeting specific industry sectors to expand or start fresh in Fond du Lac County will always be an ongoing effort. 

A list of targeted industries for Fond du Lac County was assembled by recommendations from FCEDC’s Strategic Plan and consulting research that had been published in the Northeast Wisconsin Economic Opportunity Study (NEWEOS). Both the FCEDC Strategic Report and NEWEOS involved public participation and sought advice from stakeholders in the community to accumulate a list of industries that are strong within the region and specific to Fond du Lac County. Utilizing the Location Quotient for each industry sector, it was determined which industries could be expanded or what new businesses could be brought into Fond du Lac County to create a diverse yet balanced economy. 

In creating a balanced industry mix in Fond du Lac County, targeted industry sectors now include:

Advanced Manufacturing including Machinery and Metal Manufacturing

This cluster makes up a large portion of Fond du Lac County’s economy. Further development of this sector will strengthen current businesses in the community as well as spawn new ones. 

Targeted Industry Profile: Advanced Manufacturing

Advanced Materials

This cluster includes ceramic materials, coatings, composites, metal alloys, plastic polymers, and biological materials.  This is a growing industry in the County that overlaps and builds upon the core competencies of the advanced manufacturing industry. This growth is enhanced and supported by the advanced manufacturing and materials research capabilities in Wisconsin.

Targeted Industry Profile: Advanced Materials

Agribusiness, Food Processing and Technology

This cluster includes food manufacturing, agricultural production, equipment sales, service and repair; agricultural product sales, distribution, blending and storage of feeds, seeds and fertilizers.   

Targeted Industry Profile: Agribusiness and Food Processing

Biomedical/Biotechnical (includes medical technology and services)

This includes businesses that are related to and support Fond du Lac County’s hospitals and medical clinics. Businesses include specialized clinics, outpatient facilities, medical supply outlets, and medical device manufacturers.

Targeted Industry Profile: Biomedical and Biotechnical

Energy (Fossil & Renewable)

Fond du Lac County is uniquely poised to become a leader in renewable energy markets with innovating thinking, skilled labor, manufacturing and infrastructure expertise, UW system research leadership, and the natural resources needed such as wind and biomass. Currently there are three major wind farms and several budding biomass operations.  

Targeted Industry Profile: Energy (Fossil and Renewable)

Map: Wind Farms in Fond du Lac County

Printing and Publishing

Firms include advertising agencies, information services, paper manufacturers, publishers, radio, cable and computer and digital processing firms. This cluster builds on the regionally strong printing and paper industries.

Targeted Industry Profile: Printing and Publishing

Transportation and Logistics

This cluster includes trucking, rail, couriers and messengers, as well as warehousing, packaging and labeling firms. 

Targeted Industry Profile: Transportation and Logistics

Airport Expansion Magazine article July 2009 (pdf)