WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Foxconn’s North American Vice President Charlie Alvarez was on hand in Wausau Tuesday to sign three partnerships regarding the Asian electronics manufacturing giant supporting Wisconsin ginseng sales and marketing.
Foxconn announced back in 2017 they would build their first American plants in Southeastern Wisconsin. Alvarez talks about why the company ended up choosing Wisconsin for their first plants. “We really saw the state of Wisconsin was the most active in trying to recruit us. And really it had to do with Governor Walker. He got on the plane and went over to visit with our chairman and I think they really hit it off. Our chairman saw the commitment that Wisconsin had to welcoming Foxconn. And that’s really the reason why we’re here.”
While the company is known for its electronics, they are interested in the healthcare aspect of ginseng. Alvarez explains why Foxconn has partnered with Wisconsin for ginseng market development. “With ginseng, we also think that there are medical benefits. And so we’re partnering with UW-Madison and looking with the Carbone Cancer Center and looking at what some of those benefits can be. So we’re looking forward to selling those products not only in Asia but also here in the US.”
Foxconn is not just working in the southern part of the state. While their new factory will be in Mount Pleasant, the company is committed to helping the entire state. Alvarez talks about the ways Foxconn is helping all over the state. “Now we’re really starting to get busy with the opportunities and what we’re doing with ginseng. We made the big announcement with UW-Madison, we obviously have the investment fund. We’ve got the offices in Eau Claire and in Green Bay. So you can see we’re really committed to the entire state.”
Foxconn signed three different agreements with the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, Hsu’s Ginseng, and Hong Seng to support the development of America’s ginseng market.
