Governor Doyle Announces Major Trade Agreement Between Oshkosh Truck and China

For Immediate Release: September 4, 2007
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661

Governor Will Sign Agreement on Asian Trade Mission to Provide Emergency Services for Beijing Capital International Airport

APPLETON - Governor Jim Doyle today joined with Oshkosh Truck officials and the Chinese Ambassador to the United States to announce a trade agreement between Oshkosh Truck and China to provide six airport rescue firefighter trucks for Beijing Capital International Airport. Governor Doyle will sign the final agreement in Beijing during his trade mission to Japan and China September 7-18.

"As China's economy continues to grow, Wisconsin's high-powered manufacturing sector is ideal for providing the equipment to help fuel China's growth," Governor Doyle said. "China's high demand for this equipment coupled with Wisconsin's ideal supply creates a great partnership, along with trade and economic development opportunities for Wisconsin businesses, industries, and workers for years to come."

Governor Doyle's upcoming trade mission will bring a delegation of Wisconsin business and government leaders to China and Japan - providing participants with the opportunity to meet distributors, potential customers, key business and government officials.

Oshkosh Truck Corporation is a leading manufacturer and marketer of specialty vehicles and truck bodies for defense, concrete placement, refuse hauling, access equipment and fire & emergency. The Oshkosh Pierce brand is the world's leading fire truck manufacturer. In 2006, the company's sales reached $3.4 billion - achieving record operating income and delivered its 10th consecutive year of improved performance.

The Beijing Capital International Airport is purchasing these trucks to prepare for the 2008 Summer Olympics to be held next August. The Beijing Capital International Airport is the busiest airport in the People's Republic of China, the second busiest airport in all of Asia, and the ninth busiest in the world.

China's economy has experienced record growth since opening up to international markets, and over the last several years, Wisconsin business and government leaders have been right there, establishing strong trade relations and a bright future.

China is now Wisconsin's fastest-growing export market and the third-largest export market overall, up from fourth-largest in 2005. For 2006, the state's exports to China totaled $870 million, representing a 29 percent increase over 2005. Strong export commodities in 2006 include machinery, up 35 percent to $338 million; electrical machinery, up 48 percent to $121 million; and paper/paperboard up 80 percent to $12 million.

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