MENASHA, Wis–A local company is looking to purchase much of the former U-W Oshkosh-Fox Cities campus. Faith Technologies Incorporated has signed a non-binding letter of intent to redevelop the Menasha campus.
A 90-day due diligence period started on November 17th.
Faith Technologies says the campus could be used as a national hub for workforce development and advanced technology training. F-T-I employs five thousand people–and plans to train several thousand in coming years. The company will also consider ownership of the Barlow Planetarium and the Communication Arts Center.
MENASHA, Wis. — Faith Technologies Incorporated
(FTI), a national leader in engineering, construction, manufacturing and clean energy, today announced it has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Winnebago County. The LOI grants FTI a 90-day due diligence period that began on Nov. 17 to explore and evaluate a plan to acquire the former University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Fox Cities campus in Menasha, Wis.
FTI is evaluating whether the site could become a national hub for workforce development and advanced technology training, including its apprenticeship and ICIAN® programs, training in energy and technology skills, and potential space for future R&D and advanced manufacturing activities. This assessment includes examining how the campus could support the long-term growth of FTI’s engineering professionals and skilled trades workforce, including whether Wisconsin could serve as a strategic location for these future programs. At present, FTI boasts a total workforce of nearly 5,000 team members and anticipates training thousands in the coming years.
Part of this evaluation will consider whether FTI’s acquisition of the campus would include the community amenities on the property, the Barlow Planetarium and the Communication Arts Center.
“This exploratory step affords us the opportunity to determine whether the former UW Oshkosh Fox Cities campus — and Wisconsin more broadly — could be a strong long-term fit for FTI’s training, innovation and technology initiatives,” said Charlie Fredrickson, executive vice president with FTI. “We are carefully evaluating how this location could support future engineering, technology and workforce development needs as we look ahead.”
County leaders noted that the exploratory process offers benefits for both the community and FTI.
“This presents a constructive opportunity to explore new life for a valuable community property,” said Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hintz. “While no decisions have been made, this process allows us to carefully assess the possibilities alongside FTI and determine how to best repurpose the campus to benefit the community, economy, and the taxpayers of Winnebago County.”
For more information on FTI and its services, visit faithtechinc.com.
Winnebago County took over ownership of the campus after the U-W System shut it down in July. No purchase price is included in any releases from Faith Technologies or Winnebago County.
