Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions (AMGS) opened a manufacturing facility in a city-owned building located within Hibbing’s North Industrial Park. AMGS designs and produces safety steel wire mesh guarding for the automation industry. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation provided a $91,000 bank participation loan to AMGS to help purchase equipment including an industrial saw, commercial drill and powder coating machine. Total project investment was $425,000.

AMGS manufactures standard and custom doors, panels and posts that are used in almost all automated  industries such as automobile and food packaging. The wire mesh guarding protects employee operators and equipment from hazards in machine areas and is mandated by OSHA’s safety standards. The guarding is often seen in conveyor areas and operator load stations. AMGS also provides safety electronics that may be added to the mesh guarding such as light indicators, area scanners and safety interlock switches. The electronics are preconfigured and assembled to make installation easy for customers. AMGS is a Made in the USA company and sources the steel for its products from America.

Detroit, Chicago and Ohio are currently AMGS’s largest markets. Their primary customers are Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Industrial Manufacturers. OEMs range from metal, plastic, packaging and custom automation equipment, as well as industrial robotic integrators. Industrial Manufacturers include fabricated metal, plastic, rubber, vehicle and other transportation, food and beverage, and wood products.

“What we do is very recession proof. The products we manufacture are required by OSHA to create safety barriers between employees and machinery,” said Jason Wobbema, AMGS owner. “The future is very stable for the automation industry, and the safety products we are manufacturing in Hibbing can be supplied all over the globe.”

AMGS is unique in the marketplace because it merges two different technologies, mechanical guarding and electronic safety devices into one pre-designed package for the customer. All of their equipment may be customized to meet clients' specific needs and operational layouts.

With over 25 years of experience in the automation and robotics industry, Eveleth, Minnesota native Jason Wobbema founded AMGS in 2021. He designed and built robotic equipment for several national and international companies including Arctic Cat. Wobbema also helped start a German-based safety guarding company before returning to the Iron Range 15 years ago.

“I'm happy to be back home in northeastern Minnesota and starting a business that can help diversify the region’s economy,” said Wobbema. “The financial assistance from Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, and the building made available by the city of Hibbing were key factors to the startup phase. We look forward to providing our clients with Made in the USA products and keeping their costs and lead times down.”

AMGS leases approximately 10,000 of the 31,000-square-foot building for its operations. RMB Environmental Services occupies the remainder of the building.

“We are very pleased to have AMGS join the region’s strong economic core of manufacturing,” said Commissioner Mark Phillips, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. “Providing low interest financial packages is one way we help businesses grow in northeastern Minnesota. Another way is supporting communities like Hibbing that work to develop sites and buildings for businesses to occupy, operate and employ workers.”

Learn more about AMGS.

New and existing businesses within the agency’s service area may be eligible candidates for financial assistance packages to help with buildings, equipment, infrastructure, site work and workforce development. Email Scott Sundvall or call him at 218-735-3015 for more information.

The city of Tower added new signage and landscaping and improved sidewalks throughout its main street business corridor and surrounding areas. The improvements are the second phase of a larger downtown enhancement project. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $50,000 in Downtown Streetscapes grants. Total project investment was $109,760.

Entry welcome signs with rock bases surrounded by shrubbery and trees were installed at the city’s two entrances. Way-finding signage was repaired at Hoodoo Point Campground. Trees were trimmed and some removed along main street. Sidewalks were upgraded with new surfaces and made handicap accessible in front of the civic center, medical clinic and school auditorium.

The improvements made Tower’s downtown area more attractive, welcoming, and pedestrian and wheelchair friendly for residents, shoppers, workers and visitors.

Other project partners included Broten Construction and the city of Tower.

The Downtown Streetscapes grant has fiscal year 2022 funding available through June 30. Nonprofits, cities, townships and tribal governments are eligible to apply. Email Whitney Ridlon or call her at 218-735-3004 for information. Learn more about the Downtown Streetscapes grant. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation’s grants are funded through taxes paid by Minnesota’s mining industry.

The Giants Ridge golf season began on Friday, May 13 with the opening of The Legend and Quarry.

Located in Biwabik, approximately three hours north of Minneapolis/St. Paul, The Legend and Quarry courses have been a part of Minnesota’s golf landscape for a quarter of a century earning numerous national and state accolades. The most recent accolade was garnered from Golf Digest when Giants Ridge received the coveted 2021 “Editors’ Choice Award” in the “Best Golf Resorts in the Midwest” category. Giants Ridge was one of nine facilities in the Midwest and the only one in Minnesota to earn the award.

“Advanced tee times have been very active since January including group reservations. In addition to all of the individual bookings, there are 150 new golf groups booked for the 2022 season,” said John Kendall, director of golf. “It is a strong indication that the trend will continue for people in Minnesota and the Midwest to stay closer to home for vacations and golf trips. A byproduct of the past two years and the pandemic has been people opting for drive-to destinations, as opposed to flying. Giants Ridge is in a great position to capitalize on that recreation and travel trend.”

The spring daily rate of $82 is available through June 2 with juniors age 17 and under playing for $40 any day during the season. Dubbed “Minnesota’s Greatest Value in Golf,” the 37-Hole Special begins June 3 which includes golf on both courses with lunch for $175 per person Monday through Thursday and $190 Friday through Sunday. Throughout the 2022 season, Iron Range residents may play either course for $50 Sunday through Thursday. A photo ID must be shown at check-in to receive the special rate. Tee times are required, and all golf rates include a golf car rental, range balls and yardage guide.

Golfers playing The Quarry will traverse through a former sand quarry and iron ore mine with vast Iron Range vistas. Dramatically raised tees and hazards are forged from the reclaimed and repurposed mine land. The Legend is carved out of the Superior National Forest and plays through towering pines and alongside Sabin Lake.

“The caliber and scenery of the golf courses, and the great customer service provided by our staff are a testament to this remarkable region of the state,” said Kendall. “There is no other facility in Minnesota that offers a golf experience equal to The Legend and Quarry. We look forward to welcoming new and returning guests to Giants Ridge where they can experience two of the best courses in the Midwest.”

Giants Ridge is owned by Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation and managed by Guest Services, a hospitality management company in the United States since 1917. The recreation area offers lift-served mountain bike trails, hiking, a climbing wall and lake access during the summer. The winter months bring alpine and cross-country skiing, snow tubing, snowshoeing and access to over 2,000 miles of snowmobile trails.

Book a tee time and plan your 2022 golf trip to Giants Ridge.