Foxconn picks Hammes Co. as master planner

CEO campaign finance chairman for Walker, part owner of Bucks

Foxconn Technology Group has selected Brookfield-based Hammes Co., a company led by a Republican megadonor with close ties to Gov. Scott Walker, as the master planner for its Mount Pleasant factory, it announced Monday.

Hammes Co. will be the lead partner in planning infrastructure and other developments for the planned $10 billion, 22-million-square-foot manufacturing complex in Racine County that is projected to employ as many as 13,000 people making ultra-high-definition flatscreen panels.

“We are pleased to appoint Hammes Company to support the development of the master plan for our campus, which will positively change the face of advanced manufacturing in Wisconsin. The Wisconn Valley Science and Technology Park will also be home to our supply chain partners and many of the world’s most innovative start-ups and leading global companies looking to leverage the opportunities presented by Wisconn Valley and the vibrant AI 8K+5G ecosystem that Foxconn is creating,” said Louis Woo, special assistant to Foxconn founder and CEO Terry Gou.

Crews began moving earth last week at the site, and a groundbreaking ceremony is set for June 28.

Jon Hammes, founder and CEO of Hammes Co., said, “We are delighted to be associated with such an exciting project, which will have a transformational impact on Wisconsin. We are pleased to partner with Foxconn in our planning, strategic advisory and development related services roles.”

Hammes is Walker’s campaign finance chairman for his re-election bid and served in that role during Walker’s 2015 presidential run.

Hammes is part owner of the Milwaukee Bucks and has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to Republicans and causes over the years.