DEED Grants To Create Jobs in Central Minnesota

(KNSI) – Minnesota is investing $4.6 million into four businesses to create more than 275 jobs.

Two of the businesses are in central Minnesota. Wabash of Little falls will get $625,000, and Wiha Tools USA of Monticello will get $880,000.

Wabash is an industrial manufacturer and producer of semi-trailers, truck bodies and liquid transportation systems. The funds will help the company expand its Little Falls facility through building renovations and machinery acquisitions to double the production of EcoNex composite panels for refrigerated equipment. The project is expected to cost $10.9 million and create 136 jobs with an average wage of $17.54 an hour over the next two years.

Wiha Tools is a manufacturer and distributor of hand tools for tradespeople and industrial markets. In early 2023, Wiha Tools will start work on a new headquarters and distribution facility in Monticello. Phase 1 of the proposed project will be a 75,000-square-foot facility on 12.9 acres. The project will cost an estimated $12.5 million and create 41 jobs at an average of $20.61 an hour.

“In this historically tight labor market, employers are still hiring and looking to expand their businesses,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “The funding announced today will support expansion that helps grow the Minnesota economy for years to come and paves the way for future economic growth.”

The money comes from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Job Creation Fund and the Minnesota Investment Fund.

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