Rockwell reports moderate 2026 growth, eyeing more capital spending in fiscal 2027

In the quiet suburb of New Berlin, a crane looms over a sprawling construction site, symbolizing a new chapter for Milwaukee’s industrial giant. Blake Moret, CEO of Rockwell Automation, stands amidst the bustling activity, eyes fixed on the future. His company’s recent report of steady growth in 2026 and ambitious plans for 2027 signal a renewed confidence in the region’s manufacturing backbone. For families and workers in Brookfield and surrounding communities, these developments promise stability, jobs, and a brighter economic outlook rooted in faith and hard work.

What Happened

Rockwell Automation, a leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, announced its fiscal year 2026 results, showing an 8% rise in sales to $8.9 billion from $8.3 billion the previous year. The Milwaukee-based company credits this growth to increased demand for its innovative technology solutions across manufacturing sectors. CEO Blake Moret highlighted the company’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint, especially with a major investment in a new manufacturing campus in New Berlin, projected to be a cornerstone of its future operations.

The company’s plans for fiscal 2027 include a significant uptick in capital expenditure, aiming to accelerate product development, bolster workforce capabilities, and enhance regional infrastructure. The new campus, expected to create hundreds of jobs, underscores Rockwell’s commitment to strengthening local manufacturing and supporting the American Dream of stable, well-paying employment for families in Milwaukee and beyond.

Building a Future in Milwaukee

Rockwell’s investment aligns with regional economic strategies that prioritize manufacturing resilience and technological innovation. The new campus will serve as a hub for research, development, and production, integrating cutting-edge automation systems that promise to keep Milwaukee at the forefront of industrial technology. Christian Rothe, regional director of operations, emphasized that this project is about more than bricks and mortar; it’s about empowering local workers and fostering community growth rooted in faith and family values.

Community Reaction

Local leaders and residents have welcomed Rockwell’s expansion with cautious optimism. Mayor John Huggins of Brookfield praised the company’s role in “driving economic vitality and providing opportunities for our families.” Community members see the project as a vital step toward stabilizing the local economy, especially amid national uncertainties. Many families, who have long depended on manufacturing jobs, view this as a chance to secure their children’s futures and uphold the American ideal of hard work leading to prosperity.

Voices from the Community

Linda Meyer, a mother of three and longtime Brookfield resident, expressed hope that the new jobs will help families like hers stay together and thrive. “A steady paycheck and good benefits mean everything to us. It’s about building a future where our children can grow up in strong, faith-filled communities,” she said. Local faith leaders also see the project as an opportunity to reinforce community bonds and promote values of commitment and integrity—cornerstones of a healthy society.

What’s Next

Looking ahead, Rockwell’s strategic investments aim to solidify its position as a manufacturing innovator while fostering economic stability in Southeast Wisconsin. The company plans to break ground on the new campus early next year, with construction expected to wrap up by mid-2028. As the region prepares for this growth, local officials are working to ensure infrastructure and workforce development keep pace, emphasizing the importance of strong marriages and families in building resilient communities.

For residents of Brookfield and surrounding towns, this expansion is more than corporate growth; it’s a testament to the enduring American spirit of perseverance and faith. As families see new opportunities emerge, the hope is that communities will continue to thrive on principles of integrity, faith, and shared commitment—values that make America great and families strong.

The Broader Significance for Southeast Wisconsin

This investment by Rockwell Automation is not happening in isolation. It is part of a broader regional effort to revitalize manufacturing and technology sectors that have historically been the backbone of Southeast Wisconsin’s economy. For decades, Milwaukee and its suburbs have been home to a diverse manufacturing base, from automotive parts to machinery, providing stable employment for generations of workers.

In recent years, however, the industry has faced challenges from global competition, automation, and shifting supply chains. Rockwell’s expansion signals a strategic move to adapt to these changes by integrating advanced automation and digital solutions into its manufacturing processes. This not only helps preserve existing jobs but also creates new opportunities for skilled workers, engineers, and technicians in the area.

Moreover, this project is seen as a catalyst for broader economic development. Local chambers of commerce, including the Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce, have been actively supporting initiatives that connect manufacturing firms with workforce development programs, educational institutions, and community organizations. The goal is to ensure that local residents are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a high-tech industrial environment.

Historical Context and Community Roots

Milwaukee’s manufacturing legacy dates back over a century, with the city once known as the “Machine Shop of the World.” Families who settled here during the industrial boom built communities rooted in hard work, faith, and resilience. Today, many of those families still live in neighborhoods like Wauwatosa, Greenfield, and Brookfield, where the echoes of the city’s industrial past remain palpable.

For these communities, Rockwell’s investment is more than economic—it’s personal. It signifies continuity and hope, reinforcing the idea that Milwaukee’s industrial roots remain vital to its identity and future prosperity.

What Happens Next

As planning and construction move forward, local officials are collaborating closely with Rockwell to ensure the project benefits the entire community. This includes commitments to workforce training programs, partnerships with local technical colleges, and investments in infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and public transportation.

In addition, community leaders are emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced approach—ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of affordable housing, environmental sustainability, or community cohesion. The city of New Berlin has already begun discussions about expanding public transit options to better connect the new campus with surrounding neighborhoods, making it easier for workers and families to access jobs and services.

Furthermore, the project is expected to attract ancillary businesses—from suppliers to service providers—creating a ripple effect of economic activity that can benefit small businesses and entrepreneurs in the region. Local job fairs and recruitment drives are already being planned to ensure that residents are aware of upcoming employment opportunities.

Finally, this expansion could serve as a model for other corporations in Southeast Wisconsin to follow, demonstrating how strategic investments in manufacturing can promote regional resilience, community stability, and shared prosperity for decades to come.