Uline Temporarily Halts Major Kenosha Project Amid Economic Concerns
In a move reflecting broader economic uncertainties, Uline, a prominent distributor based in Pleasant Prairie, has announced plans to delay its ambitious expansion in Kenosha. The company is seeking a 12-month extension on its conditional use permit to push back the development of a new distribution center until at least 2027, as detailed in a memo from Uline’s director of construction, Brad Folkert.
Folkert cited “current economic conditions and available space within Uline’s existing network” as key reasons for the postponement. During a recent address to the Kenosha Plan Commission, he expressed confidence that the project would eventually proceed unchanged from its approved plans.
“I don’t think it’s any secret there’s unsettlement in the economy right now — we’ve been looking at that,” Folkert explained. “And then, we were able to extend a couple of leases at our Pleasant Prairie properties that have put us in a position where, right now, we’re pretty well set. We kind of need an extension here in order to just push this back a little bit.”
The commission has backed the extension request, which would allow Uline until June 2, 2027, to apply for a construction permit, as outlined in the meeting packet.
As the global economy grapples with factors like high energy prices and trade tensions, businesses are adjusting their growth strategies accordingly. The Peterson Institute for International Economics suggests these issues may slow economic growth in 2026.
Uline has been on an expansion trajectory, having opened new facilities in Boston, Massachusetts, and Mexico City, Mexico, alongside a warehouse in Columbus, Ohio, in 2025, according to a company update. In 2024, Uline completed a 1.44 million-square-foot warehouse in Kenosha, marking the state’s largest facility of its kind and pushing the company’s local footprint beyond 10 million square feet.
Kenosha Alder Dominic Ruffalo acknowledged Uline’s positive partnership with the city, stating, “The Uline company has always been good at communication. Uline is a blessing to have in the city of Kenosha.”
Founded by Liz and Richard Uihlein in 1980, Uline employs over 9,000 people across North America. The Uihleins are also notable figures in political circles, known for their robust financial support of conservative causes. Richard Uihlein contributed more than $58.9 million to the Restoration of America Political Action Committee in 2024, according to federal campaign finance filings.
