DEED Awards $1.4 Million for Business Expansion Statewide

St. Paul, Minn. - The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced $1.4 million for three business expansion projects expect to create 86 new jobs and leverage more than $20 million in private investment.

“DEED is committed to growing Minnesota's economy, and one way is lifting up local businesses around the state,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “We’re helping businesses establish and grow in Minnesota, and that pays dividends for our workers, cities and the state as a whole.”

The Job Creation Fund (JCF) provides financing to new and expanding businesses that meet certain job creation and capital investment targets. The Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) provides loans for capital equipment to help businesses add new workers and retain high-quality jobs, with a focus on industrial, manufacturing and technology-related industries.

Recently, DEED’s Minnesota Forward Fund program awarded $69 million for business expansion and job training to four projects across the state. The projects are expected to create 215 new jobs, provide job training to more than 800 Minnesotans and leverage more than $353 million in outside investment.

Details on individual projects listed below:

Zero Zone Refrigeration, LLC, Ramsey – JCF $450,000, MIF $350,000

Zero Zone Refrigeration, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zero Zone, Inc., manufactures high-performance refrigeration systems for commercial and industrial applications, including the perishable food market, ice arenas and more. The company will expand its current facility by 58,000 square feet, adding production space and office and lab testing areas. The company will invest $11 million in the expansion project and will create 55 new jobs within the first two years.

Winnebago Manufacturing Company, Inc., Blue Earth – JCF $120,000

Winnebago Manufacturing Company, Inc., specializes in steel fabrication that serves the agriculture, generator, construction, mining and defense industries. The company will invest a total of $6.5 million to expand their current facility in Blue Earth—$5 million towards construction and $1.5 million in equipment costs. The expansion will create six new jobs within the first two years.

Rolls-Royce Solutions America, Inc., Mankato – JCF $500,000

Rolls-Royce Solutions America, Inc., manufactures backup power generation systems for mission critical applications such as hospitals and data centers. The company will invest $4.5 million for site improvements and renovations of an existing building, creating 25 new jobs within the first three years.

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. Find out how DEED delivers for Minnesota by visiting the DEED website,  JoinUsMn.com, CareerForceMN.com or follow us on X.

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Upon request, this information can be made available in alternate formats for people with disabilities by contacting the DEED Communications Office at 651-259-7161.