
Red Wing Port Authority: Empowering Manufacturers for Long-term Success
September 30, 2025
As the economic development agency for the City of Red Wing, MN, the Red Wing Port Authority exists to help new and existing manufacturers by providing guidance, resources, and financial tools designed to help businesses grow.
The Port Authority administers local, state, and federal incentive programs that help companies navigate permitting, licensing, site selection, and other business startup or expansion processes. Whether a manufacturer is launching a new operation or scaling up an existing one, the Port Authority ensures that no one gets lost in the complexity.
Range of Resources for Growing Businesses
Over the years, the Port Authority has played a key role in helping numerous businesses expand. One of the primary tools offered is a robust loan portfolio that supports healthy and growing companies with long-term, low down payment, and competitively priced financing solutions. These economic incentive programs help businesses focus on what they do best: running their operations and creating jobs.
- Angel Tax Credit
- Greater Minnesota Job Expansion Program
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
- New Market Tax Credits
- Research and Development Tax Credit
- State and Federal Historic Tax Credits
- State Small Business Credit Initiative
- Tax Abatement

Central Research Laboratories: A Red Wing Success Story
One example of Red Wing’s manufacturing success is Central Resource Laboratories (CRL), which celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025. View the company's accomplishments over the past 80 years in this video.
CRL was founded in 1945 by three MIT graduates following their work for the U.S. War Department. From the beginning, they were focused on engineering safe handling solutions for radioactive materials.
In 2007, with support from the Red Wing Port Authority, CRL moved from an aging facility in Red Wing that had outlived its usefulness to a modern space in the Red Wing Industrial Park. The move provided CRL with a building better suited to its current manufacturing needs and positioned the company alongside other iconic local manufacturers like Red Wing Shoes and Riedell Skates, supporting continued growth and innovation.
CRL now provides advanced technology for the worldwide biopharmaceutical, radiopharmaceutical, and nuclear industries. Its telemanipulators, glove ports, and containment systems lineup reflects a long-standing commitment to safety, efficiency, and engineering excellence.
As CRL looks ahead to the next decade, it will continue to lead with new technologies, solve complex industry challenges, and serve as a valued member of the Red Wing business community.

Built for Business: Red Wing’s Competitive Edge
Red Wing is home to many nationally recognized manufacturers, including Red Wing Shoes, Riedell Skates, 3M, Koozie Group, and Hydrocontrol. These companies have chosen Red Wing not only for the economic advantages delivered by strong infrastructure, a pro-business environment, and a skilled workforce, but also for its community values and high quality of life.
Red Wing offers manufacturers a unique combination of location advantages and development opportunities. Businesses can easily connect to major transportation corridors with access to highways US-61 and US-63 and proximity to I-94, I-90, and I-35. The city’s Mississippi River port - one of only five in Minnesota - opens waterway commerce to 38 states. Red Wing is just 45 minutes from the Twin Cities and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, with additional access via the Red Wing Regional Airport.
Available sites and buildings provide room for growth, while the local workforce is skilled and accessible. Red Wing also benefits from workforce development resources like Minnesota State College Southeast, Red Wing Ignite, and SE Minnesota SBDC, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified talent.
Ready to Grow? Contact Us Today
If you're looking to grow your manufacturing business, Red Wing offers the infrastructure, resources, and community support you need to succeed. Contact the Red Wing Port Authority to learn how we can help you build your future here.