Red Wing, MN: A Dynamic Home for Diverse Manufacturing

Red Wing, MN, is an energetic city for many reasons. One significant factor is its vibrant collection of manufacturing companies producing goods using the latest technologies and raw materials. Kicking off on Manufacturing Day — Friday, October 6 —  and continuing throughout the month, the Red Wing Port Authority celebrates these companies for the employment opportunities and innovations they provide that grow our economy and build our quality of life.
Thinking of manufacturing jobs as monotonous or in dirty, dark environments may have once been accurate, but this is not true in 2023. Today, individuals find productive, satisfying careers involving the latest technologies to create unique products.

Modern Manufacturing

Manufacturing Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions nationwide to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Manufacturing careers are full of opportunities for exciting endeavors, personal advancement and stability.

“There’s no such thing as a low-skilled job in manufacturing anymore,” NAM Chief Economist Chad Moutray said in a 2023 Industry Outlook article for Manufacturing Dive.

Today’s typical manufacturing roles incorporate the latest technology like artificial intelligence, cloud computing and robotics into existing processes, quality control and problem-solving techniques. Additionally, sustainability is quickly becoming a focused aspect of manufacturing as companies seek to find ways to produce customary items in manners that coexist positively with their natural environment. 

Red Wing has Numerous Benefits for Manufacturing Companies.

Red Wing offers several advantages to national and global manufacturing companies. Robust transportation access in Red Wing allows businesses to receive raw materials and ship finished products quickly and efficiently to and from major markets throughout the country. The city’s extensive transportation infrastructure is unique for a community the size of Red Wing. US-61 and US-63 provide efficient access to I-94, I-90 and I-35 within an hour’s drive. Red Wing has one of only five river ports in Minnesota, an option not typically found in the Midwest. The Mississippi River opens direct commerce with 38 states. The city is a short 45-minute drive from the Twin Cities metropolitan area and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, while the Red Wing Regional Airport offers commercial and private air travel.

Sites and buildings are available for manufacturing companies looking to expand. Here, businesses have the room they need to grow, and local economic developers are available to make it easy to find the perfect location. In some instances, financial incentives make the move an even better investment. 

Red Wing’s workforce is plentiful, drawing on a large labor force of workers with skills applicable to the manufacturing industry. Employers utilize Minnesota State College Southeast, a technical and community college with a campus in Red Wing, for continuing education of employees. Small businesses work with the SE Minnesota SBDC in Rochester and Red Wing Ignite to develop a skilled workforce.

Leaders in Red Wing

Many manufacturers have realized success due to the favorable economic environment in Red Wing. These manufacturers are leaders in combining the latest technology and good workplace practices to produce high-quality products and consistently innovate to progress their industries. The Red Wing Port Authority is proud that companies like Red Wing Shoes, Riedell Skates, 3M, Koozie Group, Hydrocontrol and others have made their home here.

Minnesota is a State for Manufacturing Growth 

Manufacturing’s importance in Red Wing and throughout Minnesota comes from its stability and growth, ultimately creating jobs and economic opportunities for local communities. Manufacturing contributes over $53 billion to the Gross State Product annually, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). Other significant data includes:

• More than $21 billion in exported manufacturing goods.
• Approximately 320,000 people work in the Minnesota manufacturing industry.
• Average annual compensation of nearly $90,000 for those individuals

Showcase your Manufacturing Operation

Manufacturing Day is an opportunity to help your community become more familiar with the possibilities present at your company. Hosting an event helps highlight the reality of modern manufacturing careers to your future workforce and those who can assist your development - students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Utilize the Manufacturing Institute’s toolkit to help plan tours, send invitations and develop promotions.

Red Wing Port Authority understands the vital importance manufacturing has in Red Wing. Contact us today to learn more about manufacturing opportunities!