KENOSHA, Wis.— On Friday, Snap-on held the official grand opening of its “Innovation Works” facility in Kenosha, Wis. The opening was presided over by Snap-on chairman and chief executive officer Nicholas T. Pinchuk and Wisconsin Governor, Jim Doyle. It took place in front of more than 600 Snap-on associates and retirees, as well as state and local officials from industry, education and government. 
“The Snap-on ‘Innovation Works’ is a functioning example of our commitment to the continued development of industry-leading products, processes and technologies. This is truly a unique facility that will provide our associates with the critical resource needed to further accelerate Snap-on’s global innovation,” said Pinchuk. “Snap-on was founded in 1920 on a unique idea and has a long tradition of creating productivity solutions for real professionals doing critical tasks.
From the very beginning, innovation has been at the core of the way Snap-on creates value. We are thrilled to be able to share this opening with so many of those who helped build the strong company we enjoy today, as well as with many of those who have supported us over the years. ”
The new 15,000 square foot facility, located at Snap-on’s Kenosha campus, provides a resource for Snap-on’s entire global organization. It includes several defined areas each specifically designed to support a vibrant user-centered innovation process. Included is a state-of-the-art service garage, prototyping room, 3D modeling facility, display and application room, customer observation room, innovation library and training room. Importantly, this centerpiece facility supplements the many local innovation resources and infrastructure already in place throughout
After the grand opening ceremony, associates and guests toured the center and took part in product demonstrations and exhibits.
As part of the grand opening ceremony, Snap-on also hosted a Regional Partnership Summit, titled “Innovation and Workforce Development to Meet Changing Markets and Technology.” The Summit featured prominent regional leaders from education, government and industry, as well as presentations and discussions by other experts and leaders on key market and technology issues and initiatives impacting the workforce. Among those making presentations included the State of Wisconsin Workforce Development Secretary, Roberta Glassman; Bryan Albrecht, president of
Gateway Technical College; and Dr. Glenn Bower of the University of Wisconsin.
At the event, attendees learned that Snap-On is working closely with Gateway Community College on developing advanced automotive diagnostic tools and equipment.
Snap-On is also developing new tools and service procedures for technicians who install and maintain wind turbines. Wind farms are popping up all over the U.S., and the goal is to shift up to 20 percent of our country’s electrical production to wind by 2030. An estimated 180,000 technicians will be required to install and maintain these wind generators, creating new career opportunities in the power generation industry.
Experts predict additional electrical generating capacity will be required as we go forward with the next generation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and full electric vehicles.
* Counterman Technical Editor Larry Carley contributed to this report.
