Derse Breaks Ground on New International Headquarters in Oak Creek

FROM VISION TO REALITY

The process started in 2018 but was put on hold because of the pandemic. Since then, Derse has expanded into a 650-person company with operations across the U.S. and Europe, outgrowing their current corporate headquarters. The dream of developing the 31-acre-site at the Oakview Business Park became possible due to the dedication of Derse’s teams and clients.

Derse represents one of the last privately held, family-owned exhibit partners of their size. Looking forward, Derse will remain committed to this ownership model and will continue to put their employees, clients, and partners before outside investors.

“We try to think in decades, not in quarters and months, and the core of it really is our three-legged stool philosophy—we consistently try to balance what’s best for the employees of this organization, our clients, and the company itself,” said Derse CEO Brett Haney. “It’s not always easy to do, but that’s our mission, and through that mission, we’ve built a great company with happy employees, thriving families, and loyal clients.”

The move strengthens Derse’s commitment to providing high-end, family-supporting jobs in southeast Wisconsin.

“I’m very proud of Derse’s midwestern roots,” said Haney. “I’ve had the privilege of being able to travel most of the world because of our business, and I can tell you the work ethic, the family values, and the ability to raise a good family in the Midwest is second to none.”

Strengthening Our Southeast Wisconsin Community

The project wouldn’t be possible without Derse’s strong partnerships with the City of Oak Creek, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), and the Milwaukee7 (M7) Regional Partnership. 

"We thought the universe would put us in the right spot, at the right time, with the right people,” said Oak Creek Mayor Dan Bukiewicz. “That’s exactly what happened one cold February day when we walked into Derse a couple of years ago. I knew it was a world-class company. I knew the work they did. I knew they had a long history. What I didn’t know was how dedicated they were to their working staff and to their craft itself.”

The WEDC is supporting the project with up to $1.25 million in performance-based state income tax credits, contingent upon the number of jobs created and capital investment.

“The state is standing behind you,” said WEDC CEO and Secretary John Miller. “The people here are standing behind you. And the community is standing behind you. This is an absolute shining example of the success that we have when we work together and roll up our sleeves. We are excited to see what Derse becomes, and we congratulate you on your past success and even more success in the future.”

For more than 78 years, Derse has continued to evolve alongside their clients and industry. The new headquarters advances Derse’s ability to create winning experiences with their clients for decades to come.

Key Facts: 

• The new international headquarters will be 300,000 square feet, with 250,000 square feet available for further expansion. 
• It will create 65 additional jobs and move over 225 employees into the new building. 
• Construction is expected to be completed by late 2027. 
• It will be the largest Derse facility in the world. 
• It will include an industry-leading experience center, new collaboration areas, space for training, and expand Derse’s capabilities in both capacity and service offerings. 
• The WEDC is supporting the project with up to $1.25 million in performance-based state income tax credits.