milkrite | InterPuls Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin
JOHNSON CREEK, Wis. — September 22, 2026 — Today, village leaders and company executives gathered in Johnson Creek to break ground on a brand-new, modern manufacturing facility for milkrite | InterPuls. The expansion opens an exciting new chapter for the company, reinforcing its deep historical roots and long-standing economic commitment to the Village of Johnson Creek.
The company’s local history began in Johnson Creek over six decades ago on December 1, 1964, when Wilbur A. Larson founded Hi-Life Rubber Products in the former Hawthorn-Mellody milk processing plant. Operating initially with a team of just seven employees, the small shop specialized in industrial molded rubber goods and milking machine inflations.
Driven by product design innovations and engineering excellence, Hi-Life established its Milk-Rite operating division in 1979, which was later spun off as Milk-Rite U.S.A. Inc. in 1986. Together, the allied operations expanded to become the largest manufacturer and distributor of milker inflations in the United States. Today operating globally as milkrite | InterPuls, the company remains an industry leader providing complete milking point solutions to dairy farmers worldwide.
"The story of Johnson Creek and the story of this company are deeply intertwined," said the Village President during the ceremony. "From a seven-person operation in 1964 to a global manufacturing leader, their growth and our village’s development have gone hand-in-hand. This new facility ensures that high-quality manufacturing, economic vitality, and good local jobs remain anchored in Johnson Creek for decades to come."
The new plant facility will support expanded manufacturing capabilities, state-of-the-art production line equipment, and continued development of specialized dairy technologies. Construction is slated to proceed immediately.