The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development reported businesses announced plans in the second quarter to create almost 1,500 jobs related to 39 expansion projects.
Between first and second quarter expansions, the state has seen 81 business expansions in 2013. A sign of economic prosperity is expansion by existing businesses, DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben said.
“One key indicator of economic success is the number of businesses we see expanding within our borders,” she said. “The number of companies choosing to invest here represents a level of confidence in the economic opportunities we are seeing statewide.”
Manufacturing, which accounts for one out of nine jobs in the state, led all sectors with 19 expansion projects in the quarter. The food and beverage sector also saw several expansions, including a brewer, orange juice processor and two potato-chip producers.
The Twin Cities had the most expansions with 16, although several other communities also reported major projects. Jackson, in southwest Minnesota, announced three expansion projects, including AGCO, a tractor manufacturer that plans to add 75 jobs by 2015.
Most of the expansions will occur at existing Minnesota companies, but a few are newcomers. Way Better Snacks is relocating from Long Island, N.Y., to Minneapolis, with plans to hire 20 employees. Capital Safety Group, which specializes in fall-protection equipment, plans to add 100 jobs in Red Wing after moving its headquarters from London last year.
