April 17, 2019
Ontario-based Heliene, manufacturer of photovoltaic solar modules, recently opened a production facility in Mountain Iron, becoming the state’s only solar panel factory and one of the nation’s few “American-made” panel manufacturers.
Heliene began production in September in an existing 25,000-square-foot city-owned building, located in Renewable Energy Park. It was formerly occupied by Silicon Energy which ceased operations in 2017. Heliene refitted the building with new state-of-the-art robotic equipment including automatic soldering machines, laminators and caulking robots.
Over 1,000 panels are produced per day, and each panel takes about 40 minutes to make. Those panels collectively could produce about 150 megawatts of power which will be used in infrastructure and commercial utilities projects, residential projects, and community solar gardens (a way for customers to purchase solar electricity without having to install panels at their businesses).
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“Our expansion into Mountain Iron is facilitating additional sales growth into the United States market especially the Midwest,” said Heliene Owner Martin Pochtaruk. “The new production line and equipment has enabled efficiency, speed and volume – three components critical to success in panel manufacturing.”
Heliene employs about 70 people in Mountain Iron, some of whom were retained from Silicon. Plans are in motion to hire a third production crew, which would add an additional 24 employees this month and further increase panel output.
Plant Manager Joanne Bath grew up in northeastern Minnesota and believes Heliene is a great asset to the region. She commutes from Keewatin each day to manage the facility and its employees, which she says will account for an estimated $5 million annual payroll, including the third production crew.
According to Pochtaruk, Mountain Iron was a feasible factory location for Heliene. It offered a viable workforce, an existing building in a region committed to industrial diversification, and an American location that made Heliene the only solar manufacturer in the Midwest.
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This project was supported by a $3.5 million loan split between Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation and Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to expand the facility and purchase state-of-the-art equipment. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation also provided commercial redevelopment grant funding to the City of Mountain Iron to support the business expansion.
“Our growth and expansion in northeastern Minnesota would not have occurred without the direct help of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation and the State of Minnesota,” said Pochtaruk. “The new production facility is highly automated with a strong staff, and precision and pace are key to reaching the needed production volumes.”
Email Matt Sjoberg for details or call him at 218-735-3037.
Pictured above from top to bottom: Heliene staff, Heliene Owner Martin Pochtaruk and new robotic equipment at Heliene’s Mountain Iron production facility.
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 The city of Two Harbors is building a new performing arts center at Thomas Owens Park, which is situated in the center of town and along Waterfront Drive. The facility will replace 81-year-old Paul Gauche Band Shell that was constructed in 1937 and in poor condition.
The project is spearheaded by Friends of the Band Shell Park (FBSP), an all-volunteer nonprofit organization formed in 2010 to explore the feasibility of replacing the band shell with something that could accommodate the cultural arts needs of Two Harbors and its city band that was formed 120 years ago in 1897.
“Music is deeply embedded into the roots and history of our community. Our city band is widely recognized throughout the state, and we are also home to the state’s largest ukulele group,” said Two Harbors Mayor Chris Swanson. “The people and businesses in Two Harbors have championed the new performing arts center, and its location at the center of town furthers the revival of our 'Town Square' concept.”
Included in the building’s design are indoor and outdoor performance spaces that can accommodate music and band concerts, dance recitals and theatrical presentations. The new facility will be available year-round and versatile enough for private parties and weddings. Other amenities include public restrooms, ADA compliancy and greater accessibility, storage space, and room for the local KTWH-FM radio station.
The recent expansion of Castle Danger Brewery created a significant impact to downtown Two Harbors and its tourism industry by attracting thousands of local and visiting patrons to the tap room each year. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation provided a community infrastructure grant two years ago to support the expansion, and this year provided an infrastructure grant for the new performing arts center.
“Infrastructure is absolutely essential to a healthy, prosperous economy and community,” said Mark Phillips, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation commissioner. “Our agency’s infrastructure investment into Two Harbors directly supports the economy and quality of life in our region.”
According to Mayor Swanson the total performing arts center project cost is estimated at $2.8 million and will create approximately 20 construction and trades jobs as well as one full-time and several part-time positions to operate the facility.
Supporting partners include Louisiana Pacific who donated the siding and roofing, City of Two Harbors, Two Harbors Area Chamber of Commerce, Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, Blandin Foundation, Catherine M. Schmoker Foundation, Wallin Foundation, Canadian National Railroad, Duluth Superior Community Foundation’s Two Harbors Area Fund, and a $500,000 grant from a Minneapolis foundation. Numerous individual donations have been made by area citizens and businesses. FBSP is seeking additional monetary donations to help fund the new center. Click here for donation information.
For more community infrastructure grant information email Chris Ismil or call 218-735-3010. Note: This project was also supported with an Application Fund grant to help FSBP pay for a grant writer, who successfully secured philanthropic funding.
Rendering courtesy of Pope Architects.
Ely
Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Deputy Commissioner Jason Metsa was "on the move" in Ely yesterday on his second stop in a series of community visits and listening sessions.
While in Ely, he toured business and community development projects, followed by a listening session at Northern Grounds. (Pictured)
Thank you to the community of Ely for the warm welcome!
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Next Stop - Chisholm
Metsa's next stop will be in Chisholm on Tuesday, April 23. He will tour business and community development projects, followed by a 4 p.m. listening session at Valentini's Supper Club, which is open to the public.
If you have any questions about the Chisholm listening session, please contact Alison Perry at 218-735-3030 or alison.perry@state.mn.us.
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