Econ. Update 10/9: Kleiber Construction new headquarters construction is underway, Wells Fargo grant will fund new Habitat for Humanity-Lakeside home

Kleiber Construction is under renovation to move into their new headquarters in Plymouth.

October 9, 2023

Kleiber Construction Renovation is Underway for the New Headquarters

Kleiber Construction — Kleiber Construction, a local home builder specializing in luxury custom homes and remodeling, has started construction on their new headquarters located in Plymouth off Highway 23. Kleiber Construction has been a pillar for quality homes in this community for over 43 years. They currently serve Sheboygan and the surrounding five counties.

The building Kleiber Construction purchased last year was a working cabinet shop. As part of their vision, owners Tim & Jill Kleiber planned to increase staff and expand custom offerings available to customers.

“This is a perfect addition to our services,” commented Tim Kleiber. “We were already providing wood trim, kitchen cabinets, bunk beds and other specialty woodworking by using a third party. Now we can do this in-house in a more timely manner and at a better value to our customer while offering high-end, specialty finishes and moldings.”

The headquarters will be complete early summer with a showroom displaying modern building trends, a state-of-the-art cabinet shop, office spaces and warehouse. This comes at a necessary time for the growing company of 33 employees. “Everyone is ready to be together in the same building. We will be more organized and cohesive in every respect,” said Jill Kleiber. “It’s very exciting!”

An open house is planned for the public to tour the new facility at completion in 2024. In the meantime, follow their progress on the company’s Facebook or Instagram page.

Construction has commenced on the new Kleiber Constructions headquarters in Plymouth. Tim and Jim Kleiber plan to expand their offerings and increase staff.

Wells Fargo Grant Will Fund New Habitat for Humanity-Lakeside Home

WHBL — Another area family in need will have a new home thanks to a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation. The $15,000 grant was awarded to Habitat for Humanity – Lakeside as one of more than 230 Habitat for Humanity affiliates funded through the Foundation. The local award will result in a new home in the Farnsworth neighborhood for the Hernandez family of Sheboygan. The family is dealing with the challenges of a progressive muscular disease that makes their current apartment difficult for daughter, Demi, to negotiate. The new home will be built to meet current and future needs with an attached garage, 36-inch doorways, and a space for physical therapy and occupational therapy equipment. Mother Adriana Hernandez said the new home will be one “where Demi can make memories and grow into; somewhere she can return to when she heads off to college in the future.”

The Hernandez family will build the home along with support of volunteers from Wells Fargo and Habitat for Humanity – Lakeside. Including this latest grant, Lakeside Habitat has received $93,000 through the Wells Fargo Builds grant program since 2018.

Wells Fargo Foundation awarded $15,000 to Habitat for Humanity Lakeside. The grant will help build a new home in Sheboygan as part of the Wells Fargo Builds program, which funds over 230 Habitat for Humanity affiliates to make homes more affordable and accessible nationwide.

Johnsonville Replaces Klement's as Bucks Sausage Sponsor

BizTimes — Sheboygan County-based Johnsonville is now the official sausage of the Milwaukee Bucks, the team announced Wednesday. Johnsonville will serve its bratwursts, andouille sausages, beef hot dogs and summer sausage sticks at all events at Fiserv Forum, including Bucks games.

“As a family-owned, Wisconsin-based company, we’re proud to partner with the Bucks,” said Shelly Stayer, owner and board chair of Johnsonville. “Supporting Wisconsin’s sports teams has always been a priority for us, and we’re excited to bring a new great taste to the fun fan experience at Fiserv Forum.”

Johnsonville replaces Milwaukee-based Klement’s as the Bucks sausage sponsor. The deal continues a pattern of Johnsonville replacing Klement’s as the sausage provider for major Milwaukee sports and entertainment venues.

Johnsonville is now the official sausage of the Milwaukee Bucks. The team announced on Wednesday that Johnsonville will serve its products at all events at Fiserv Forum, including Bucks games.

Van Horn Terminates Franchise Agreement With Mazda

WHBL — Van Horn Mazda exists no more and, as of Monday, has reopened as Van Horn Motors of Sheboygan. The franchise agreement with Mazda Motor Corporation was terminated effective on Saturday, September 30, 2023. The dealership will remain operational as a retailer and service center for pre-owned vehicles.

The location at 3512 Wilgus Avenue, Sheboygan, has been in the Van Horn family since 1989 when Joe Van Horn and Dan Wieland went into business together. Dan and Joann Wieland operated the dealership as Van Horn Wieland Oldsmobile. Hyundai was added shortly after, and then Mazda more recently. In January of 2020, Van Horn Hyundai of Sheboygan moved to a new facility on Racetrack Road, leaving Mazda as the sole franchise.

Jeff Niesen, President of Van Horn Automotive Group, said that “The move to sell the franchise back to Mazda was strictly a business decision. We had early success with this location as a stand-alone Mazda dealership, but the effects of COVID made new Mazda vehicle acquisition very difficult, and the investment to build a new facility didn’t match up with new vehicle sales. We’re excited to continue to operate this location as a used car dealership serving Sheboygan and beyond.”

Van Horn has terminated its partnership with Mazda. Therefore, they can no longer perform warranty service on Mazda vehicles, and customers will need to visit another Mazda dealership for warranty work.

Unity in Entrepreneurship

UWGB — Join us for a forum designed for small to medium businesses and future entrepreneurs to share organizations and services that offer business support and other resources. Let's encourage more business ownership in Wisconsin with a particular focus on under-presented groups. While the event is free, we do ask that you register in advance in order to plan for food and beverages. The event is hosted by Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) and includes participation by:

• Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

• UW-Green Bay

• New North

• Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce

• Wisconsin LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce & more!

Small and medium-sized businesses, as well as future organizations that offer business support and resources, are invited to attend a free forum organized by SCEDC on Friday, November 10, from 8:00-10:30 AM at the UW-Green Bay Sheboygan Campus. The forum has been made possible by a grant from New North.