Wisconsin’s robust business landscape has once again been spotlighted, with eleven companies headquartered in the Badger State earning recognition in Newsweek’s prestigious America’s Greatest Companies 2025 rankings. Compiled in collaboration with Plant-A Insights Group, the list celebrates companies excelling in business performance, innovation, employee engagement, and sustainability. Wisconsin’s honorees, spanning industries from industrial machinery to retail and diagnostics, underscore the state’s economic diversity and strength.

Wisconsin’s Standout Companies

The eleven Wisconsin-based companies recognized include a mix of century-old legacy firms and innovative modern enterprises, reflecting the state’s blend of tradition and forward-thinking leadership. Here’s a look at the celebrated companies:

  • ManpowerGroup (Milwaukee, ★★★★½): A global leader in staffing and workforce solutions, ManpowerGroup employs over 20,000 people and generates revenues exceeding $10 billion. Founded in 1948, the company continues to shape the future of work with innovative labor solutions.
  • Kohl’s (Menomonee Falls, ★★★★½): A retail giant with over 20,000 employees and $10 billion-plus in revenue, Kohl’s, established in 1962, remains a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s consumer retail sector, known for its customer-centric approach and community engagement.
  • Rockwell Automation (Milwaukee, ★★★★½): With roots dating back to 1900, this industrial automation leader employs over 20,000 and boasts revenues between $5 billion and $10 billion, driving innovation in manufacturing and smart technology.
  • Badger Meter (Milwaukee, ★★★★½): A pioneer in flow measurement and water management solutions since 1905, Badger Meter employs 1,000-2,500 workers and generates $500 million to $1 billion in revenue, contributing to sustainable resource management.
  • REV Group (Brookfield, ★★★★½): Founded in 1974, this manufacturer of specialty vehicles, with 5,000-20,000 employees and $1 billion to $5 billion in revenue, powers emergency and commercial transportation solutions.
  • Oshkosh (Oshkosh, ★★★★): A titan in industrial machinery, Oshkosh, founded in 1917, employs 5,000-20,000 and generates over $10 billion, known for its heavy-duty vehicles and defense equipment.
  • WEC Energy Group (Milwaukee, ★★★★): Formed in 2015, this utility provider serves millions with 5,000-20,000 employees and $5 billion to $10 billion in revenue, earning praise for reliable energy and workplace inclusivity.
  • Exact Sciences (Madison, ★★★★): A leader in cancer diagnostics since 1995, Exact Sciences employs 5,000-20,000 and generates $1 billion to $5 billion, revolutionizing early detection with innovations like Cologuard.
  • Regal Rexnord (Beloit, ★★★★): This industrial machinery company, founded in 1955, employs over 20,000 and generates $5 billion to $10 billion, specializing in power transmission and motion control.
  • National Presto Industries (Eau Claire, ★★★★): A smaller but mighty player in aerospace and defense since 1905, with 1,000-2,500 employees and $250 million to $500 million in revenue, known for innovative consumer and defense products.
  • Modine Manufacturing (Racine, ★★★½): Founded in 1916, this auto parts manufacturer employs 5,000-20,000 and generates $1 billion to $5 billion, supporting the automotive industry with thermal management solutions.

A Legacy of Excellence

Wisconsin’s representation in the rankings highlights its economic diversity, with four companies in industrial machinery and equipment (Rockwell Automation, REV Group, Oshkosh, Regal Rexnord), alongside leaders in retail, utilities, diagnostics, and more. Most companies earned a four-star rating or higher, with ManpowerGroup, Kohl’s, Rockwell Automation, Badger Meter, and REV Group achieving an impressive 4.5 stars, reflecting exceptional performance across Newsweek’s evaluation criteria.

The rankings, based on a rigorous analysis of publicly available data, employee reviews, and key performance indicators (KPIs) such as leadership, compensation, and sustainability, evaluated companies over a 24-month period. Wisconsin’s honorees stood out for their ability to balance profitability with purpose, fostering innovation and employee satisfaction while driving economic impact.

Wisconsin’s Economic Impact

The state’s companies recognized by Newsweek employ tens of thousands here and collectively generate billions in revenue, reinforcing Wisconsin’s role as a hub for manufacturing, technology, and retail. Not every company is having their best performance at the moment, but some are thriving. Notably, Exact Sciences, headquartered in Madison, is transforming healthcare with its non-invasive cancer screening tests, while Oshkosh and REV Group power critical infrastructure with their specialty vehicles.

Looking Ahead

These companies are vital to the Wisconsin economy. Their recognition in Newsweek’s rankings not only celebrates their achievements but also highlights Wisconsin’s position as a as a cradle of American enterprise.

For more details on the rankings, visit Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Companies 2025.