Janesville, Wis. (May 15, 2023) – KANDU Industries Inc., a Janesville, Wis.-based non-profit that provides programs and services to people with disabilities and disadvantages, today announced that the company has purchased the 110,000-square-foot Blackhawk Technical College Advanced Manufacturing Training Center at 15 Plumb St. in Milton, Wis.
KANDU purchased the facility from the Blackhawk Technical College Foundation, which has leased the property to Blackhawk Technical College for the last decade. KANDU will move into the building in a series of phases beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023 and will share occupancy of the building with the college.
The facility offers benefits that will enhance KANDU’s client experience through a completely accessible layout, spacious rooms, large windows and updated technology. The building will also provide KANDU with an additional 30,000 square feet and the opportunity to bring all KANDU operations under one roof, including its client service programs, administrative offices, catering and rental business, and the merging of two production facilities where KANDU employs people with disabilities in a work-safe environment.
The acquisition comes at a critical time for KANDU’s strategically planned growth to meet the needs of future generations in the Rock County community.
“We have a dedicated staff and board, a supportive community, and the best clients – and now we have the space to continue to do our remarkable work and serve more families in Rock County and the surrounding area,” said KANDU Executive Director Kathy Hansen.
Hansen cited projections that the number of elderly adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, whom the non-profit serves in its adult daycare program, is expected to double by 2040.
“We need to take steps now to make sure future generations receive the best care possible, and their families know they can rely on a strong community support system,” said Hansen.
The sale also will benefit the Blackhawk Technical College Foundation, which helps to transform the lives of Blackhawk students and the college through scholarships, innovative learning opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities.
“This opportunity will have a rippling effect on how the Foundation can impact and shape the future needs of our students, our college, our community and the region,” said Lisa Hurda, Blackhawk director of advancement & foundation.
The new location will increase KANDU’s production capacity, which means more jobs and more production revenue. Profit from KANDU’s production operation goes to support its programs for people with disabilities and disadvantages.
While the building boasts many accommodations, some renovations will be made to best serve KANDU’s various businesses, services and programs, including a new commercial kitchen, additional docks for its production services and the removal of interior walls to increase production capacity and client services floor space.
KANDU will hold a capital campaign to help fund the project. Businesses and individuals who are interested in learning more about becoming an early donor to the campaign are encouraged to contact KANDU at 608-755-4123 or email khansen@kanduindustries.com.
