American Metal Technologies in Sturtevant is Adding Jobs

When Ram Thukkamar started American Metal Technologies in 2000, he had five machines and 7 employees.

In 2006 he moved the company to Sturtevant, back to the building where he formally owned a similar business. By the end of 2010, AMT had 160 employees, but the company has since grown to 190 workers and is expected to grow even larger, to 230 employees, by the end of this year.

AMT is a supplier of automotive parts for industry giants Ford and Navistar and other, smaller companies. 

The growth is possible because of an economic development deal between the private and public sector, including a $1.5 million grant from the State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce and economic development programs. Total investment comes to about $10 million, and the money will be used for equipment and to add up to 109 new jobs over the course of three years.

Governor Scott Walker was on hand to present an oversized check for the $1.5 million to AMT Founder and CEO Thukkaram.

During his speech, Walker applauded Thukkaram as the type of businessman Wisconsin needs and said that AMTs growth provides a ripple affect, which is especially important in Racine County.

"AMT's growth is a great example that Wisconsin wants to put people back to work," Walker said.

Stephen Mayer of Promontory Point Capital help put together the deal, which he says happened just since the beginning of the year.

"As business ramps up, AMT needs to build their employee base," he said. "This is a classic situation of supply and demand."

According to Peter Miller, general counsel for AMT and one of Thukkaram's business partners, the new positions at AMT are for skilled labor like CNC operators. He also said AMT wages are above average for the area.

"Being in Sturtevant is really perfect because of the history in manufacturing of the area," Miller said. "We need a skilled workforce and Racine County provides that."