WALWORTH, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kikkoman Foods, Inc., a subsidiary of Kikkoman Corp., the world’s leading soy sauce producer, today marked the 45th anniversary of the commencement of operations at its Walworth, Wis., production facility.
The Wisconsin plant, which began producing soy sauce in 1973 and was Kikkoman’s first plant in the United States, has played a key role in helping the company become the world’s leading soy sauce manufacturer. The plant is the foundation for Kikkoman’s global business, which accounted for about 60 percent of the company’s sales and about 70 percent of its operating income during the last fiscal year.
To commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Walworth plant, Kikkoman announced that it is making a $600,000 gift to endow scholarship funds at six area high schools near the plant. Each school will use the gift of $100,000 from Kikkoman to create an endowment that will provide scholarships for graduating seniors. The schools include Big Foot, Badger, Elkhorn, Delavan-Darien, Williams Bay and Whitewater High Schools.
Recipients of the scholarships, called “Kikkoman Scholars,” will pursue post- secondary studies, including technical and vocational education, that prepare them for successful careers and community leadership.
“We’re delighted to be able to support deserving students in our local community as they pursue their dreams of higher education,” said Yuzaburo Mogi, honorary chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Kikkoman Corp.
“Kikkoman is always looking to the future and striving to set an example as a good corporate citizen,” Mr. Mogi said. “We believe part of our role is to help prepare the leaders of tomorrow by supporting education. That’s on top of million of dollars we’ve donated to the University of Wisconsin and other local institutions over the years.”
“The local community has given Kikkoman strong support over the past 45 years. We’ll always be grateful for our partnership with the state of Wisconsin and the many wonderful friendships we’ve developed here,” Mr. Mogi said.
Mr. Mogi made the announcement at a press conference before the U.S.A. Wisconsin and Japan economic development conference that is being held in conjunction with the anniversary celebration. Kikkoman, UW-Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. sponsor the conference, which is focused on fostering sustained global economic growth. Conference discussions are being led by preeminent business and political leaders from Japan and the United States, including Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.