GZ PrintPak, part of Czech-based GZ Media, has selected Mount Pleasant for its U.S. manufacturing expansion. The company is investing $7.1 million in a 69,000 sq. ft. facility to produce fully recyclable luxury paper bags, creating 40 new jobs. Future plans include adding collapsible and rigid box production, co-packing services, and exploring additional printing capabilities.
According to Realtor.com, The Wisconsin housing market is heating up, with Southeast Wisconsin leading the way. Among the nation’s 20 hottest housing markets this month, Racine County claimed the No. 7 spot, joining six other Wisconsin metros on the list. The region is quickly becoming a top destination for homebuyers drawn to its growth, affordability, and quality of life.
This expansion is driven by increasing demand from U.S. customers and the need to strengthen domestic supply chains for advanced data and technology infrastructure. Foxconn leaders say the company’s Wisconsin workforce—already a significant portion of its U.S. employees—will nearly double by the end of the decade.
Microsoft recently committed to investing heavily in building a data center in the Village of Mount Pleasant in Racine County, Wisconsin. Here are the latest updates.
Microsoft joined the Village of Mount Pleasant in 2023 and is building two datacenters that will support the company’s global cloud operations. Alongside construction, Microsoft is making meaningful investments that benefit Racine County residents, students, and the environment.
Nine Racine County entrepreneurs celebrated their graduation from the BizStarts Racine program on October 9, 2025, at Gateway Technical College’s iMET Center—marking the completion of another successful cohort. Presented by RCEDC in partnership with the BizStarts Institute, this year-long program supports aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into sustainable businesses.
On November 12, 2025, Southeast Wisconsin’s top entrepreneurs gathered at the Kenosha Innovation Center for the Pitch Perfect Competition, showcasing the region’s brightest startup talent from Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties. The event highlighted innovative ideas and fostered collaboration across the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
At the October 14, 2025, RCEDC Leadership Council meeting, local educators in a panel discussion highlighted how Racine County high schools are equipping students for future careers and fostering connections with area employers.
Major employers such as Amazon, Uline, Haribo, Microsoft, and Eli Lilly are expanding across Racine County and Southeast Wisconsin, creating thousands of new jobs. This rapid growth has put pressure on the housing market, prompting economic development leaders to focus on residential needs alongside traditional commercial development. At the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Racine/Kenosha Growth Summit on Oct. 22, RCEDC’s Executive Director, Jenny Trick, noted that Racine County has added roughly 5,000 multifamily units since 2018.
According to a recent analysis by the Badger Institute, Racine County experienced the highest rate of new construction in Wisconsin for 2024—posting a 4.83% increase in property value from net new construction (after accounting for demolitions). This growth rate is nearly three times the statewide average of 1.65% and almost double that of the next-highest county, Adams, which came in at 2.94%.