Master Lock plant
“The neighborhood today faces significant challenges, but its because of the decades upon decades of disinvestment in this community,” added Harris.
The non-profit works to uplift the community.
FOX6 sat down with Harris shortly after Master Lock shut down operations at its Milwaukee plant.
“Master Lock is just reflective of that same history that we’ve seen over the past several decades,” said Harris.
It’s another manufacturer leaving this part of the city, an area that once boomed with industry.
“I miss A.O. Smith. We had a hope with Talgo at first,” said Christal West.
“The manufacturing jobs have left – so when the jobs left, money left, a lot of divestment happened,” said Harris.
After the closure, Harris and Christal West, who live nearby, hope companies invest in this area.
“Give where it’s most important. You see future leaders come out of this neighborhood,” said West.
They hope that includes more funding for green jobs and sustainable industries.
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“Companies are closing… but we’re not trying to keep the buildings open, that are doing the work,” said West.
“We want employers, we want grocery stories, we want amenities to locate in or near the Amani neighborhood so that people who live in the neighborhood have access,” added Harris.
Before it closed, Master Lock employed a couple hundred people.
Source Agencies
