President Donald Trump has announced that the electronics company FoxConn, one of the largest in the world, will be building a plant in Wisconsin that will create 3,000 jobs. Yet, the $10 billion investment in the state has the potential to generate up to 13,000 jobs (via WaPo):
Foxconn, one of the world's largest electronics manufacturers, unveiled plans Wednesday evening to build a new factory in southeastern Wisconsin,delivering a much-needed win for President Trump and Gov. Scott Walker.
In a ceremony at the White House, Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou announced his firm would invest $10 billion in the state of Wisconsin.
“We are confident that making American products will be a great success,” Gou said during a White House press conference. “We are also committed to creating great jobs for the American people.”
The plant -- to be situated in House Speaker Paul Ryan's district -- will make flat-screen displays.
But there was confusion about how many jobs would be created. Walker said the investment would create 13,000 jobs, with an average pay of $53,000 plus benefits. But the company said it would be hiring 3,000 workers over four years -- with the potential for further growth.
Trump was “personally” involved in the deal, a senior White House official said, but Foxconn ultimately chose Wisconsin for its workforce and infrastructure.
The high-profile announcement follows a pledge from Foxconn shortly after Trump was elected to invest at least $7 billion in the United States and create between 30,000 and 50,000 jobs.
BREAKING: Trump says $10 billion Foxconn electronics factory that 7 states vied for will go to Wisconsin.
— The Associated Press (@AP) July 26, 2017
Scott Walker said the Foxconn deal will bring 13,000 jobs to Wisconsin. Foxconn said that number is actually 3,000. pic.twitter.com/QnZFJXdyPy
— Danielle Paquette (@DPAQreport) July 26, 2017
While people might not like the president’s personality, when it comes to policy and keeping his promises, he’s certainly working to fulfill the promise of job creation and resurrecting American manufacturing. Also, kudos to Gov. Scott Walker, whose labor reforms in 2010 certainly made the state friendlier to business investment.