The City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce recently conducted a Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) visit with leadership from Provisur Technologies to discuss the company’s operations, workforce needs, and continued investment in the Whitewater community.
The visit was conducted by Mason Becker, Community Development Director for the City of Whitewater, and Karin Silvius, Executive Director of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce. They met with Imad Hamdan, Plant Manager for Provisur’s Whitewater facility.
Provisur Technologies has maintained a longstanding manufacturing presence in Whitewater and is recognized globally for producing advanced food processing equipment and industrial technologies. Formerly known locally as Weiler and Co., the company’s Whitewater operations continue to play an important role in the local manufacturing economy and regional workforce development efforts.
During the meeting, Hamdan discussed recent developments within the company, including Provisur’s acquisition by Fortifi Food Processing Solutions. The conversation also focused on workforce recruitment, the global supply chain, and opportunities to strengthen partnerships between industry and local educational institutions.
“With around 180 employees, Provisur continues to be a major manufacturing employer and community partner in Whitewater,” said Mason Becker, Community Development Director. “It was valuable to hear directly about their operational needs, workforce opportunities, and commitment to supporting local talent development.”
Karin Silvius noted the importance of maintaining close communication with manufacturers and employers throughout the region.
“Business retention visits help us better understand how local employers are adapting to changing economic conditions,” said Silvius. “Provisur’s willingness to engage with schools and workforce development initiatives is especially encouraging.”
Hamdan highlighted the company’s continued support of technical education programs in Whitewater, including its involvement with the robotics lab at Whitewater High School. “We believe it is important to invest in the next generation of skilled workers,” said Hamdan. “Supporting programs like the robotics lab helps expose students to manufacturing, engineering, and technical career pathways at an early age.”
Workforce development remains a key focus for the company, particularly in recruiting experienced machinists and other skilled manufacturing employees. “Like many manufacturers, we are facing some challenges finding skilled machinists,” Hamdan said. “At the same time, we are very open to training motivated high school graduates for entry level grinding positions and helping them build long-term careers in manufacturing.”
Hamdan also noted that while supply chain conditions have improved compared to recent years, manufacturers continue to experience occasional disruptions and material sourcing challenges. Provisur remains focused on maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers and other partners to help minimize impacts and support operational continuity.
More information on Provisur, including employment, can be found at the company’s website, provisur.com.
The City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce regularly conduct BRE visits with local employers as part of ongoing efforts to support business retention, workforce development, and long-term economic growth throughout the community.
For more information on the BRE Program, contact:
City of Whitewater Community Development Department
Attn: Mason Becker, Community Development Director
312 W. Whitewater Street
Whitewater, WI 53190
Phone: (262) 473 -0148
Email: mbecker@whitewater-wi.gov
Website: www.whitewater-wi.gov
