The newest business in Wilton’s Industrial Park, a branch of Wisconsin-based company Century Fence, broke ground Wednesday, Oct. 23, and held a luncheon reception at the Wilton Community Center.
With a machinery and equipment investment of $600,000, Century Fence’s Wilton location will fabricate, assemble and warehouse fences and gates. Their goal is to employ up to 10 people when operations begin in early-to-mid 2025, according to statements from the Wilton Chamber & Development Alliance, and the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.
At the reception, CEO Matthew Powell said he has worked with many communities, and “the City of Wilton has been such a pleasure to work with.”
Powell said he is the fourth generation to steward the company and told the group, “Thank you for helping us plant roots, and we look forward to flourishing with all of you.
“There are so many companies that are short-term focused, and that’s why the existence of companies is usually 15 years now,” he said.
Century Fence, on the other hand, “is measuring in centuries.” He said their goal is building a generational company “so that we are here in the City of Wilton for many generations to come.”
Powell joined Century executives, President Mike Grzybowski, Branch Leader for Pewaukee Angel Maseda, all of Wisconsin; and Branch Manager Jason Calvert, of Muscatine at the worksite.
Also attending were chamber board members, and representatives from Point Builders and the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.
Wilton Chamber & Development Alliance Director Becky Allgood said Century Fence is a family-owned company that has been in business for more than 100 years.
At the reception, Allgood highlighted the chamber’s collaboration with the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce in bringing Century Fence to Wilton. Partnering in this way, she said, “helps our whole area in economic development.”
This newest industry is meaningful to the City of Wilton, Allgood said later. “Our organization has worked hard to provide a diversified industrial base, and we have accomplished that with all our industries as well as this new addition, Century Fence. We are very lucky that this remarkable industry made the decision to join us here in Wilton.”
“Century Fence is a strong, fourth-generation company that continues to grow and prosper. We’re very lucky that this industry made the decision to join us here in Wilton,” she said.
The Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce said Century Fence is a leader in the fence and pavement marking industries. The Wilton expansion includes a 10,000 square foot building on 10 acres of land. The Chamber estimated a $4.4 million annual economic impact for the region.
“We would not have found this ideal location without the help of the Quad Cities Chamber,” said Jason Calvert, Branch Manager for Century Fence. “Wilton is a great location for so many reasons. It was affordable, and we have plenty of room for our operations.”
The search for a site began over a year ago with the Quad Cities Chamber team. Ultimately, the site in Wilton was chosen, culminating in the groundbreaking on October 23.
“This growth is a testament to the power of true collaboration between the Quad Cities Chamber, Wilton Chamber & Development Alliance and Century Fence working together,” said Tami Petsche, Vice President, Business Attraction for the Quad Cities Chamber.
Calvert says he’s proud to work for a family-owned company who truly cares about their employees. “We hope to add a number of different jobs to this location from drivers to office managers - and I foresee us growing to between 20 and 25 people, and possibly adding another building or two in the next 5 years,” he said.
Allgood said she was a huge supporter of partnering with the Quad Cities Chamber to find a location for Century, and believes the way to success is for everyone to work together for the common good. “We invite new business and industry to invest in our area,” she said.
“We are a prime location, close to main interstates, rail and major airports. We also have great schools, infrastructure, housing initiatives and amenities that make our area very attractive to industries looking for a stable environment to place and conduct business.”