Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development announced the grants at the start of Manufacturing Month. The WisTRAIN program is backed by federal funding and focuses on employer-led training in advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
Statewide, the grants cover 84 employers and 3,823 workers. State officials said the projects are meant to address technology changes, expand industry credentials and strengthen partnerships between employers and educators.
In Marathon County, Apogee Wausau Group received $320,040 to train 66 current employees and four new hires at its Wausau and Stratford sites in AI literacy, predictive maintenance and industrial analytics.
REI Engineering in Marathon County received $158,400 to train 45 current employees and 10 new employees in AI tools, digital collaboration, cybersecurity and data governance, working with Northcentral Technical College.
Rocket Industrial in Marathon County received $21,420 for AI training covering 95 current employees and seven new employees across its departments.
