Derse Plans Major Expansion in Oak Creek
WEDC is supporting the project with $1.25 million in business tax credits
MADISON, WI. AUG. 27, 2026 – Derse, Inc., will build a new international headquarters in Oak Creek, a move that will prepare the company for long-term growth and create 65 new jobs.
Derse is a family-owned experiential marketing agency and exhibit builder for trade shows and events with locations in the United States and Europe. They design, build, and manage trade show exhibits, events, and environments for clients and have been recognized as an industry leader.
The $48 million project is the largest in the company’s nearly 80-year history and will consolidate two of the company’s eight existing locations into a 300,000-square-foot-facility on a 31-acre site with the Oakview Business Park in Oak Creek.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the project by authorizing up to $1.25 million in performance-based state income tax credits. The actual amount of the tax credits is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during the period.
“It’s exciting that Derse has chosen to expand and build its world headquarters here in Wisconsin,” said John W. Miller, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s leading economic development organization. “Derse’s decision shows a commitment not only to being a leader in the trade show and event industry, but also to our state and its culture of innovation.”
Derse held a groundbreaking celebration Thursday at the site in Oak Creek.
Employees and operations at the company’s Milwaukee and Waukegan, Ill., locations will move to the new headquarters, which will initially include a 60,000-square-foot office space and a 240,000-square-foot production and warehouse area. The site will also allow for future expansions of up to 250,000 square feet.
Construction is expected to be completed by late 2027.
“We’re building for what’s next. Not just for us, but for our network of clients and partners who rely on us to bring creative visions to life,” said Brett Haney, CEO of Derse. “With both of our current facilities in Waukegan and Milwaukee nearing capacity due to company growth and both facilities having less than 36 months left on their leases, we found ourselves needing significantly more space in the Midwest that this major investment will allow for. This new facility would represent growth and would expand and enhance our ability to service clients, create more room for creative collaboration, and invest in the futures of our employees-all while staying deeply grounded in the values that got us here. Our vision for our new headquarters will be that it is the industry-leading facility for employees and customers in the United States.”
The new facility will offer collaboration areas, a presentation stage, space for training, and production and warehousing capabilities.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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