Lean Design Werks Announces Acquisition of Brownfield Site to Establish Headquarters in St. Francis

St. Francis, WI — Lean Design Werks, an emerging leader in industrial automation and robotic integration, is transforming a neglected industrial brownfield site at 4021 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue into its new headquarters. Through environmental remediation and renovation efforts, this parcel will be transformed from a dormant property into a technology-driven facility that promotes sustainability, drives economic growth, and supports innovation in local manufacturing.

Lean Design Werks credits its partners: Northwest Side Community Development Corporation (NWSCDC), Milwaukee County, the City of St. Francis, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Willie Smith, NWSCDC Executive Director, expects Lean Design Werks to have a far-reaching positive impact in Southeastern Wisconsin. “We are thrilled to support Lean Design Werks’ ambitious plans to expand their operations in Milwaukee County. Renata Bunger, a former mission-driven lender, and her husband, Dale Bunger, bring a wealth of experience and commitment to their community. This partnership gives us great confidence in the project. The loan will enable them to renovate their new headquarters, ultimately creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. We believe this investment not only supports Lean Design Werks but also reflects our dedication to fostering innovation and growth in the region.”

“Across Wisconsin, we’re seeing the power of collaboration when communities – businesses, local governments, the state, and other partners — work together toward a shared vision,” said Sam Rikkers, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of WEDC. “Lean Design Werks’ move to St. Francis is an example of how collaboration can change possibilities into realities.”

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley emphasized the county’s support, stating, “Milwaukee County is committed to playing a role in helping local businesses overcome barriers, grow their footprint, and succeed in our community. I am proud my administration played a vital role in making this project a reality.”

Milwaukee County Treasurer David Cullen added, “This project shows the positive impact that can come from collaboration between local government, the private sector, and the state. By working together, we turned a tax-delinquent, contaminated property into a productive site that will support jobs and contribute to the local tax base. I am proud that the Treasurer’s Office played a role in making this possible.”

A significant aspect of this project involves the reactivation of a brownfield site, demonstrating the potential for underutilized spaces to be converted into economic drivers for the county and state.

Celia Benton, Director of Economic Development for Milwaukee County, remarked, “By providing access to environmental testing and strategic timing of the acquisition, we created an opportunity for these business owners to acquire the property and move forward with confidence. This project reflects our community’s commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship and ensuring that businesses can thrive here in Milwaukee County.”

Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Steve Shea shared, “With the help of Milwaukee County, St. Francis City, and Wisconsin state governments, Lean Design Werks is working to remediate and renovate a long neglected industrial site and make it a center for an exciting small business working in the field of robotic technology. This is an example of government and the private sector working together to improve the economy and environment.”

This redevelopment underscores how coordinated efforts can convert liabilities into thriving community assets. The new headquarters will consolidate engineering, assembly, robotics, and product development functions—expanding capacity for turnkey automation solutions in medical manufacturing, packaging, and other precision industries. The project highlights the power of collaboration in turning environmental and economic challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.

About Lean Design Werks

Lean Design Werks designs and builds custom automation equipment and solutions for manufacturing. Focused on medical manufacturing, packaging, and industrial markets, the company is committed to advancing manufacturing through innovative technology, quality craftsmanship, and sustainable practices.

Learn more at leandesignwerks.com.

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.