Minnesota businesses announced plans in the second quarter to create nearly 1,500 jobs related to 39 expansion projects, according to a statewide survey by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Combined with first quarter results, the state has seen a total of 81 business expansions in 2013.
DEED’s quarterly Business Expansion Survey included expansion projects by Emerson Process Management, which plans to add 500 jobs within two years in Shakopee, and Stratasys, which anticipates adding 100 employees by the end of the year in Eden Prairie.
“One key indicator of economic success is the number of businesses we see expanding within our borders,” said DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben, in a news release. “The number of companies choosing to invest here represents a level of confidence in the economic opportunities we are seeing statewide.”
Manufacturing, which accounts for nearly one in nine jobs in the state, led all sectors with 19 expansion projects in the quarter. The food and beverage sector also saw several expansions, including a brewer, orange juice processor and two potato-chip producers.
The Twin Cities had the most expansions (16), although several communities in Greater Minnesota also reported major projects. Jackson, in the southwestern corner of the state, announced three expansion projects, including AGCO, a tractor manufacturer that plans to add 75 jobs by 2015.
Most of the expansions will occur at companies that are already based in Minnesota or have existing operations here, but a few are newcomers. Way Better Snacks is relocating from Long Island, N.Y., to the North Loop in Minneapolis, with plans to hire 20 employees.
Among other projects, Capital Safety Group, which specializes in fall-protection equipment for the construction sector and other industries, plans to add 100 jobs in Red Wing after moving its headquarters from London last year. Another company, Magnetation Inc., is building a $120 million iron ore recovery facility near Coleraine that will create 160 jobs by 2015.
The full business expansion report and a map showing where those expansions will occur can be found here.
DEED tabulates business expansion activity using metro and regional newspapers, business and real estate journals, construction company newsletters, Internet research and referrals from economic developers.
To report business startups, expansions or other significant business activity, go to this form or contact Andrew Dahl, economic analyst, 651-259-7186, andrew.dahl@state.mn.us.
DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and our services, visit us at www.PositivelyMinnesota.com.
