Industry

Advanced Manufacturing

A strong foundation in advanced manufacturing goes hand-in-hand with Kandiyohi County’s successful Ag technology sector. The largest specialties include steel, robotics, food manufacturing, plastics and rubber products, non-metallic mineral products and chemical manufacturing. Watch the short video below on manufacturing in Kandiyohi County.

Nova-Tech Engineering is a global leader in robotics and equipment that supports the Ag technology industries. What started as a two-person company in Willmar in 1992, now employs more than 260 professionals. Nova-Tech Engineering holds 10 US patents and its equipment can be found in more than 600 hatcheries in more than 55 countries and 6 continents.

The MinnWest Technology Campus, founded in 2006 to promote the advancement of agribusiness, bioscience and technology in Kandiyohi County, is home to several global leaders in manufacturing, including Nova-Tech Engineering and Select Genetics. The 100-acre campus houses 26 companies and is continually recruiting innovative businesses to the area.

A highly-skilled workforce contributes to the level of advanced manufacturing. A thriving information technology and professional job pool cater to the cutting-edge global leaders located in Kandiyohi County. This job pool is thanks in part to Ridgewater College’s Customized Training & Continuing Education programs, along with the Mid-Central Research and Outreach Center, a unique partnership between Minnesota higher education and private industry. The Center fosters innovation, economic growth, job creation and workforce preparation for the region.

According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), manufacturing growth in Kandiyohi County surpassed the growth of all other industries combined by almost 12% since 2015.  Because of the strong base in advanced manufacturing, Kandiyohi County has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state of Minnesota.

Translate »