Hibbing Fabricators, a manufacturer and assembler of precision metal products, added a new turret punch press to its equipment fleet that will keep the company competitive through operation efficiencies.

“A production job that once took ten hours now requires only five hours to complete using the turret punch press equipment,” said Sandy Bryant, Hibbing Fabricators president. “The 50 percent reduction in production time for certain jobs allows us to increase our overall volume of work and remain competitive.”

Materials such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium and tin will be processed with the punch press and then sold to industries in the global marketplace. Hibbing Fabricators supplies to the aerospace, medical, telecommunications, industrial, food processing, computer, energy, technical and electronics industries. Their products manufactured in Hibbing eventually become components in equipment and aircraft sold and utilized throughout the world.

Over 50 percent of the company’s production is for the aircraft industry. It’s three largest direct and indirect clients are Cirrus Aircraft headquartered in Duluth, Boeing of Seattle, and Lockheed Martin.

Along with its large national clients, Hibbing Fabricators’ customer base includes companies in northeastern Minnesota including Nelson Williams Linings, RMS Tritec, L&M Radiator, Trison Electronic Design & Manufacturing, Detroit Diesel and Electric Power Door Company.

“We offer services to many local manufacturers which complement their operations,” said Bryant. “With the new equipment our clients’ needs can be met with greater accuracy and greater speed.”

Hibbing Fabricators employs about 30 full-time workers including equipment operators, machinists and welders. Founded in 1985, the company has been successfully operating in northeastern Minnesota’s Iron Range for over three decades.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported this project with a bank participation loan to help purchase the new equipment. The agency’s business loans are funded through taxes paid by Minnesota’s mining industry. Email Scott Sundvall for more loan information or call him at 218-735-3015.

A series of video testimonials was recently launched to showcase living, working and playing in Grand Rapids. The series, “Live Like a Local” was produced by Visit Grand Rapids (VGR), the Grand Rapids area destination marketing organization. The series is intended to attract visitors, residents and business owners to the region. 

Nine community members were selected to share their personal stories about why they choose to live, work and play in Grand Rapids. Dr. Philip Impholte and Tara Makinen relocated to the region for the active lifestyle opportunities and jobs. They sought a place with a community center, trails and a lake. 

View their video testimonial. 

Tasha Connelly returned to Grand Rapids with her husband to raise their children. They were drawn to the many family activities available such as outdoor recreation, community events and unique downtown shopping and eating. 

View her video testimonial.

“The videos are intended to give people an up-close and personal glimpse of life in Grand Rapids,” said Megan Christianson, VGR executive director. “Tourists can often be converted into residents if they are drawn to the quality of life that locals experience. When people visit our region either in person or virtually through videos, we want them to experience what it is like to live, work and play here.”

VGR engaged several community partners in the project development including the region’s major employers, the chamber of commerce, local schools and the community college. These organizations can utilize the videos to recruit employees, families and college students.

“Economic development, tourism and quality of life are interconnected,” said Christianson. “When people consider a region for relocation or as a travel destination, quality of life plays a significant role in their decision.” 

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported this project with a Culture and Tourism grant. For grant information email Danae Beaudette or call her at 218-735-3022. View all video testimonials here.

Club Entrepreneur will host a luncheon and networking event entitled "The Entrepreneurs Toolkit" on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the Northland Country Club in Duluth at 11:30 a.m.  

Four leading regional economic developers, together with an experienced entrepreneur, will discuss how they work together to drive investment, create jobs, and make this region a growing and profitable location for business.

Key topics will include:

• Tools for success: recruiting and growing businesses
• How ED funders can help your bank help you
• Tomorrow’s workforce – available today
• How to find and employ the right tools at the right time

This panel will benefit anyone seeking resources, employees or advice.

Panel Moderator:

Brian Hanson, APEX 

Panelists:

Janelle Greschner, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (pictured)

Shawn Wellnitz, Entrepreneur Fund 

Elissa Hansen, The Northspan Group

Chris Benson, Frost River 

Club Entrepreneur is a community of business professionals who meet monthly for networking, idea sharing and presentations from some of the country’s most respected innovators, catalysts and thought leaders. During each lunch hour session, participants are able to enjoy a meal, chat with peers and strengthen their network of personal and professional relationships.

Learn more and register for The Entrepreneur's Toolkit event.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation promotes and invests in regional business, community and workforce development through a selection of grant programs. 

The Downtown Streetscapes grant program will accept applications beginning Nov. 1 for the fiscal year 2019 funding cycle. The program assists with incentivizing investment in downtowns areas and business corridors through projects that promote safe and attractive environments for residents, shoppers, workers and visitors.

FY19 grant guidelines and application processes are posted on the agency website here. Eligible applicants in the Taconite Assistance Area are encouraged to apply and can access the grants management system (FLUXX) by clicking here. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation funds its grants programs through taxes paid by Minnesota’s mining industry.