Rockwell Automation Announces New Manufacturing Campus in New Berlin
Rockwell Automation, a leader in industrial automation solutions, has officially chosen New Berlin, Wisconsin, as the site for its forthcoming “factory of the future.” This follows the company’s November statement expressing interest in establishing a greenfield facility in southeast Wisconsin. According to CEO Blake Moret, the New Berlin location will serve as a strategic hub for innovation in manufacturing and automation technologies.
A Massive Investment in Next-Generation Manufacturing
The upcoming facility is expected to span over 1 million square feet of combined factory and warehouse space, positioning it as one of Rockwell’s largest manufacturing campuses globally. While the company has not yet disclosed projected employment figures, the scale and technological ambition of the project underscore Rockwell Automation’s commitment to leading-edge industrial operations in the U.S.
From a technical perspective, such a facility likely integrates advanced automation systems, IoT-enabled production lines, and smart logistics platforms—a blueprint for what the industry increasingly calls “digital-first manufacturing.”
Strategic Site Selection and Infrastructure Advantages
A Rockwell Automation spokesperson highlighted that the New Berlin site was chosen for its access to regional transportation networks, utilities, and infrastructure. These elements are critical for high-efficiency manufacturing and rapid supply chain integration. For industrial engineers, this demonstrates the growing importance of logistical and digital infrastructure in the planning of large-scale automation projects.
Alignment with Broader U.S. Manufacturing Investments
The New Berlin facility is part of a broader five-year, $2 billion investment in domestic manufacturing announced by Rockwell last year. This initiative also includes the acquisition of a facility in Mequon, previously leased by the company, further solidifying Rockwell’s footprint in Wisconsin. According to Moret, these projects reinforce the company’s commitment to workforce development, plant modernization, and advanced digital infrastructure, signaling confidence in U.S. manufacturing markets.
My Perspective as an Industrial Automation Engineer
From an industry standpoint, the New Berlin project reflects a shift toward hyper-connected, digitally optimized factories. Integrating automation, AI-driven process monitoring, and predictive maintenance will likely define this campus. For engineers and stakeholders, this project offers a model of how “smart factories” can be designed from the ground up to maximize efficiency, scalability, and resiliency in manufacturing operations.

