Get the low-down on recent developments happening in Chisago County | | MANUFACTURING MONTH EDITION | | | | |
Why manufacturing in Chisago County?
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Cushman & Wakefield’s labor force assessment for Chisago County, commissioned by the County’s HRA-EDA, highlights a strong foundation for expanding manufacturing, warehousing, and supply chain operations. The report identifies a critical mass of industries already aligned with these sectors, many of which are projected to experience double-digit growth over the next five years. The county’s workforce is notably specialized in manufacturing and engineering, with job growth expected to continue in roles that match this skill profile.
Heavy manufacturing stands out as a particular strength, with consistent growth in areas such as heavy trucks, sheet metal, and plastic production. This industrial base has been expanding steadily over the past five years, reinforcing Chisago County’s reputation as a hub for durable goods manufacturing. Additionally, the county benefits from a steady influx of workers commuting from surrounding areas, which further enhances its labor capacity and supports future industrial expansion without immediate risk of workforce shortages.
Beyond its labor force, Chisago County offers a range of strategic advantages for businesses looking to grow. These include shovel-ready and build-ready sites, excellent transportation access via Interstate 35 and the St. Croix Valley Shortline Rail, and a suite of financial incentives. The county participates in the Opportunity Zone program and offers access to state and regional funding through grants and loans. Local support includes an Industrial Forgivable Loan program and the use of Tax Abatement for qualifying industrial projects.
Together, these factors position Chisago County as a compelling destination for companies in manufacturing, logistics, and distribution. With a skilled workforce, growing industrial base, and proactive economic development tools, the county is well-prepared to support new investment and sustained growth in these key sectors.
The complete Labor and Capacity Assessment can be found by clicking here to go to our website and going under the “Site Selector” tab.
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Fox Valley Metrology is a trusted leader in precision measurement solutions, serving customers nationwide with nine locations across the United States. As an ISO 17025 Accredited laboratory, we are committed to the highest standards of quality and accuracy in everything we do. Our services span from calibration of precision tools and equipment, to repair services that keep instruments performing at their best, and new equipment sales to ensure our customers have access to the latest technology.
For over 30 years, we’ve partnered with industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, medical, and more. Our work ensures that the tools companies rely on every day are accurate, dependable, and safe helping to keep airplanes in the sky, cars on the road, and critical devices functioning properly. Without the work of calibration, entire industries could not operate with the precision and confidence they require.
At Fox Valley Metrology, we pride ourselves not only on the quality of our services but also on the strength of our team. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in them through training, development, and opportunities for career growth. Whether your passion is in engineering, logistics, customer service, or technical calibration work, there’s a place for you to grow and thrive at FVM.
If you’re looking for a career that combines technology, problem-solving, and real-world impact, Fox Valley Metrology offers an exciting path. With competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a supportive culture, we are committed to fueling the future leaders of our industry and we’d love for you to be part of it.
Click HERE to learn more about Fox Valley Metrology!
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Pine Technical & Community College: Powering Local Manufacturing Careers
Pine Technical & Community College (PTCC) in Pine City is helping students turn curiosity and ambition into career success. With small class sizes, flexible scheduling, and instructors who bring real-world experience, PTCC provides students the personal support and industry-ready training they need.
Manufacturing is one of PTCC’s signature strengths. Programs in Engineering, Automated Systems, Welding, Machining, Automotive, Gunsmithing, and Construction, give students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, in state of the art labs. Graduates are job-ready and in high demand, stepping directly into well-paying careers that drive our region’s economy forward. At the same time, PTCC’s transfer degrees give students the chance to start close to home, save money, and move on to a university with confidence
For many high school seniors in Chisago County and surrounding areas, these opportunities are more accessible than ever. Thanks to scholarships like the Frandsen Family Foundation and Kick Start, qualified students may be able to attend PTCC — including its manufacturing programs — at little to no cost. It’s an incredible chance to gain the skills local employers need without the burden of heavy debt.
Whether you’re looking to launch a manufacturing career or take the first step toward a university degree, PTCC is proud to be your community’s partner in education, training, and opportunity.
Click HERE to learn more!
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At Plastech Corporation, we’ve been proudly serving a wide range of industries with precision injection-molded plastic components since 1956. From recreational vehicles and business electronics to automotive, lawn and garden, industrial, and consumer products, our work touches nearly every corner of daily life.
Based in Rush City, Minnesota, we’re more than just a manufacturer—we’re a full-service partner. In addition to injection molding, we offer mold building, engineering, project management, assembly, kitting, drop shipping, and other value-added services that help our customers bring their products to market efficiently and reliably.
With over 300 team members and decades of experience, we’re committed to quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Whether you're launching a new product or scaling production, Plastech is here to deliver solutions that fit.
To learn more about Plastech Corp, click HERE
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Kendall Howard: IT Revolution
What started as a simple idea in 2000 has grown into a company that is reshaping the way businesses and installers think about IT furniture, server racks, and rack accessories. Kendall Howard built its foundation on listening to the needs of IT managers, installers, and network engineers—and responding with products that are not only functional and cost-effective but also innovative enough to keep pace with evolving technology.
Unlike many competitors relying on imports, Kendall Howard takes pride in being a trusted source of American-made solutions. The company’s approach is rooted in humility, hard work, and a family-style culture where ideas matter and teamwork drives results. With a reputation for quality, customer-first service, and relentless innovation, Kendall Howard continues to prove that even the smallest components of IT infrastructure can have a big impact.
Click HERE to learn more about Kendall Howard!
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Plastic Products Company (PPC) was founded in 1962 in Lindstrom, MN, as a custom injection molded plastics manufacturer. Today, we serve some of the world’s largest customers, having grown to 11 manufacturing facilities in seven states across the U.S. We are proud to be a 100% employee-owned company since 2013 with 1000+ employee-owners helping to drive our success.
In Chisago County we have 3 operations within minutes of each other, including our corporate headquarters and our first very plastics manufacturing facility, both located in Lindstrom. Our Smith Metal Products (SMP) business is just down the road in their new state- of-the art facility located in Center City. SMP specializes in metal injection molding (MIM).
Plastic Products Company has many career opportunities for all skill levels, from entry-level positions with no training or education required for those aged 18+ to highly skilled technical positions available in our business operations.
If you are interested in learning more about what we do and the careers available, please visit our websites to learn more!
Plastic Products
Smith Metals
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Rosenbauer America leads in fire and emergency vehicle manufacturing, offering pumpers, aerials, rescues, electric vehicles, and airport crash trucks. We serve departments via direct sales, government contracts, consortium purchasing, and financing. Our international dealer network ensures global reach with local support. From city fleets to rural departments and international markets, Rosenbauer America delivers innovative, safe, and reliable fire service solutions tailored to every mission and budget.
Rosenbauer has repeatedly developed real innovations and sets new standards with technically leading solutions for over 150 years. As a systems supplier, Rosenbauer offers the best and most reliable solution for every conceivable application to support the mission of saving lives and protecting property.
Click HERE to learn more about Rosenbauer!
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We’d also like to extend our appreciation to our valued standard and basic level manufacturing company sponsors. While our premium partners were highlighted above, these sponsors play an essential role in keeping our operations running smoothly and our community thriving. Their support may be foundational, but it’s anything but ordinary.
- National Manufacturing Group
- ZinPro
- Andersen Windows
- Stepp Manufacturing
- Minnesota Machining
- Artifex Millwork Inc
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You're Invited: Manufacturing Summit Hosted By ECDP
| | Issue #1: October 8, 2025 | | | | |
