Flooring equipment manufacturer relocating to Walworth County

Powernail moving operations from Illinois to southeastern Wisconsin

GENOA CITY, WI. JULY 17, 2023 – Powernail Company, a manufacturer of pneumatic nailers and flooring cleats used to install hardwood floors, will move its headquarters and production operations from Lake Zurich, Illinois to Genoa City, state and local officials announced today.

“Wisconsin is pleased to welcome Powernail, an innovative, family-owned manufacturer to our state,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s lead economic development organization. “Our skilled manufacturing workforce will help ensure Powernail’s success here. It’s a win for the region and a win for Wisconsin.”

Founded in 1947, Powernail’s tools and cleats are the choice of professional floor installers around the globe. The company’s culture of innovation has created a roster of products that make hardwood floor installation easier, safer and quicker. Powernail has commenced construction of a $5.7 million, 40,000 square foot headquarters and production building located on 4.5 acres along Williams Road, south of Twin Lakes Road, in Genoa City.

The company says it expects to employ 39 workers full-time within three years.

“Wisconsin is the perfect location for Powernail,” said Powernail President David Anstett. “There is a long history of manufacturing and a deep talent base to support our long-term goals. We are thrilled to be growing our company in a production-friendly state like Wisconsin.”

Anstett is among the second-generation owners of Powernail.

WEDC is supporting the project by authorizing up to $400,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits Powernail will receive is contingent on the number of jobs created and the capital invested in the project.

Powernail is receiving a warm reception from local government and economic development officials.

“Every time a business chooses Genoa City as its location, our village only gets better and we are very proud to add Powernail to our community,” Genoa City Clerk-Treasurer Kate Dennis said. “We look forward to working with the company and its employees. Genoa City has a history rich in farming and industry and believes Powernail will be a great asset to our community.”

The Village of Genoa City is supporting this project through its Business Tax Incentive Program, which includes a 4-year tiered reimbursement to Powernail for the Village portion of real property taxes.

The Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA) and Milwaukee 7 (M7) regional economic development organization also worked to attract Powernail to Wisconsin.

“Walworth County is proud to welcome a nationally-known company like Powernail. Despite its reputation for being a tourism powerhouse, Walworth County also has a strong base of manufacturing, employing 9,000 workers in this sector,” said WCEDA Executive Director Derek D’Auria.

“Powernail is a valued addition to our growing roster of manufacturers in southeastern Wisconsin,” said M7 Executive Director Jim Paetsch. “We continue to attract corporate investment at a significant clip. Companies like Powernail are driving prosperity across our entire region.”