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We are thrilled to share that Klesk Metal Stamping Co is the MPMA Manufacturer of the Year! Congratulations to the entire Klesk team on this award. For over 60 years, Klesk Metal Stamping has been the trusted name in precision metal solutions, specializing in thin metal, EDM, and meticulous design. ...
Manufacturing on a Stick Minnesota Manufactured Day at the State Fair Celebrating Community, Careers and Cowboy Hats On Saturday, August 30th, 2025, at the Minnesota State Fair, the corner of Wright and Underwood transformed into a lively showcase of innovation, creativity, and hometown pride. ...
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MPMA is excited to welcome the following members to our association: Absolute Machine Tools is a leading importer and distributor of CNC machine tools throughout North America, Absolute Machine Tools offers a full spectrum of CNC machines and automation solutions suited for a diverse range of ...
Insight courtesy of LB Carlson
Dunwoody College student Kevin Nguyen has always had a knack for science, math, and engineering — in fact, he graduated from Blaine High School’s Center for Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (CEMS) in 2023. Now, he’s gearing up for a career in Automated Systems and Robotics (ASRO). Read on to ...
Since Toro first opened the doors of its Shakopee facility in 1975, it has grown into a cornerstone of The Toro Company’s global operations, according to Seth Sundgaard, Senior Manager of Operations.
The economic outlook for Minnesota manufacturers in 2025 is a mixed bag, reflecting cautious optimism tempered by significant challenges. While key economic indicators suggest steady growth through 2024, underlying concerns such as workforce shortages, cost pressures, and potential disruptions are ...
By Chris Jones, Chief Exit Officer, Sunbelt Business Advisors and True North M&A
National Politics: The nation let out a collective sigh of relief on November 6, 2024, knowing that the Presidential election was over, and the sigh comes from earnest appreciation that nearly everyone has for not having to see another political campaign ad. Former President Trump will return to ...
MPMA is excited to welcome the following members to our association: Metal Trade Solutions, located in Winsted, is a metal working job shop. Their workflow is highly adaptable allowing their team the freedom to use creativity to design, machine and fabricate parts, components, and products. MTS is ...
Originally from Mexico, Demetrio Guevara came to Minnesota with his wife to live in her home state.
By Kristin Underwood | Director of Customized Workforce Education at South Central College The time for our uniquely abled populations in the workforce is NOW! Industry partners are more ready than they have ever been to consider hiring uniquely abled populations. It’s our time, as educators, to ...
Launched in 2022, the Diversity in Manufacturing Initiative (DiMi) was created in response to a need within Minnesota’s manufacturing sector: the quest for a more diverse and inclusive workforce. As the industry grows, the demographic landscape of the workforce is shifting, becoming increasingly ...
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How CorTrust Bank has helped MPMA lead the charge in serving our members and developing the workforce. In 2024, the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association (MPMA) experienced significant change and growth. Earlier this year, we became independent of our association management company, Jaffe. ...
A 2023 graduate of Elk River High School, Laurengail Lorenz is already well on her way to a successful career in manufacturing. Since graduation, Lorenz has received a scholarship from MPMA for her studies at Dunwoody School of Technology, presented as a keynote speaker at last year’s Celebration ...
Dear MPMA Members, As we continue to build and strengthen Minnesota’s manufacturing workforce, it is crucial that we take the time to celebrate all voices that make our industry vibrant and innovative. Every individual in our sector brings unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that ...
Apprenticeship Programs Gain Popularity in Manufacturing World As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve and grow along with technological advancements, the demand for skilled labor has never been greater; as a result, traditional hiring methods are proving increasingly insufficient. Some ...
Nancy Lien Berndt carries a tradition of strong company culture at MME Ever since Nancy Lien Berndt started sitting in on client meetings with her father, she remembers her dad telling everyone she was the future of the company. “I have three sisters, and my dad was constantly thinking of ...
MPMA is excited to welcome the following new members to our association: Located in Bemidji, AirCorps Aviation was born of the combined warbird-shaped dreams and experience within a small group of aircraft restoration purists. AirCorps Aviation specializes in the restoration, maintenance, and ...
Get to know the 15 students who received $2,000 scholarships from MPMA and our partners. Catelin: Sunbelt & True North Scholarship Last year, I was looking to start a career and was interested in welding. I took a semester of classes and decided I liked it, but I wasn't sure I wanted to do it ...
As the global economic landscape evolves, Minnesota's manufacturing sector stands at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge. The state's leadership in medical devices and healthcare technologies, coupled with a strong tradition of innovation, positions it well for future growth. However, to ...
In 2024, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) awarded a total of $5.4 million to Minnesota employers to fund dual-training enrollment in high-demand industries. The Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association (MPMA) was one of them.
European and American manufacturers face similar challenges — with different approaches. Dear valued members, As MPMA embarks on a new era with Drive for Five, Minnesota Manufactured, Pipeline Dual-Training grant and many other initiatives, I want to highlight a recent experience that shed some ...
Brooklyn Park, MN – July 19, 2024 – The Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association (MPMA), in association with the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence, is excited to promote the Minnesota Manufactured campaign. The initiative focuses on raising awareness and inspiring the ...
Fresh out of law school, Craig Howse’s first client was an entrepreneur who wanted to pass the family business on to his children. At the time, Howse focused on what he knew best: governance and taxes. He drafted a buy-sell agreement, recommended insurance, structured an estate plan to minimize ...
In a world that’s going digital, young voices and industry innovators are getting hands-on to shape a new face for the manufacturing. Students in Andy Angell’s Small Engines and Welding class at Centennial High School aren’t likely to be found watching a Powerpoint or cramming from a textbook on a ...
MPMA was recently awarded $800,000 in funding from the State to support the Minnesota Manufactured workforce development campaign. Myrika Schneider, Minnesota Manufactured Grant Project Manager, is our newest team member, with the important role of organizing all grant-related activities. Get to ...
MPMA is excited to welcome the following new members to our association: FactoryTwin, based in Hopkins, MN, hosts a dedicated team of computer scientists, data engineers, and experienced industry professionals committed to transforming the manufacturing industry. Micro Weld, located in Maple Grove, ...
Using the CI Methodology to seek new opportunities for improvement. By Waypost Advisors A supply chain continuous improvement program should be able to identify and drive improvements to costs (materials, transportation, storage), non-value-added work (human capital optimization), the use of cash ...
For those who may not be familiar, the MPMA Machine Shop is a member-only LinkedIn group created for connecting with peers, sharing knowledge, and asking questions. We believe that the precision manufacturing sector is in need of a space where people can speak openly about their challenges, and ...
MPMA is headed to the 2024 International Technology and Manufacturing Show (IMTS) for two days and one night (September 10-11), and you’re invited! IMTS is hosted at McCormick Place in Chicago and is the largest and longest running industry trade show in the Western Hemisphere. Here’s what you can ...
By Richard Leguil, Technical Writer at Lube-Tech In the world of manufacturing, tribal knowledge refers to the shared but unwritten techniques, procedures and practices that a handful of employees hold. This might sound like a secret sauce that gives your manufacturing company an edge, however, ...
Funding will train and place 1,200 Minnesotans over the next 15 months; benefit 3,000 businesses
Staying compliant after changes from 2023 legislative session The 2023 legislative session ended in May of last year, but Minnesota business owners are still grappling with its implications for how they do business. Due to the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party’s single-party control of the ...
Careers in precision manufacturing are rewarding, but it can be challenging to find the opportunity that’s right for you. This is why we created the MPMA Job Board, where community members can share their manufacturing related openings. Here are some of the types of roles you can often find on ...
W.P. & R.S. Mars Co. (dba Mars Supply) is proud to announce that they are celebrating 100 years in business in 2024.
On average, the tuition cost for an in-state college in Minnesota was $16,822 for the 2021-2022 academic year. Needless to say, tuition costs add up – but so do scholarships.
Minnesota-based manufacturing companies have become focal points for mergers and acquisitions in recent years, attracting interest from buyers across the country.
MPMA is run by a small-but-mighty team of people passionate about the precision manufacturing industry. Steve Kalina | President/CEO
Hello, Ya’ll,
How MPMA’s Golden Gloves Event Began
Dear members, I often tell the story of how I came into this role. Being around MPMA my entire life, I benefited from countless mentors and leaders in the industry that I’ve looked up to. And now I have the privilege to work with those fine people. All of us benefit from those relationships over ...
A career in manufacturing opens a door to our world.
Dear members, Welcome to the new year, and thank you for all your support in 2023. Last year was a difficult one — some industries in Minnesota thrived, while others ran into more roadblocks. I wish we had a crystal ball for this coming year but we don’t. Most analysts are still very optimistic ...
You’ve probably heard that manufacturing is a high-paying field with strong growth opportunities for the future. But everyone has a different definition of “high-paying” — so just what is the earning potential for a career in precision manufacturing?
Experts weigh in on what happened in 2023 and weathering what’s to come in 2024 At both the local and national level, the economy saw rain and shine in 2023, and Minnesota manufacturers have felt it all. Last year around this time, rumors of an impending recession had many Americans feeling nervous ...
November 20, 2023 – DSB Rock Island Wealth Management, LLC and Waterfront Financial Group, LLC today announced a merger, effective immediately. The firm will operate as DSB Rock Island Wealth Management, LLC.
Owatonna, MN – Federated Insurance® Chairman Jeff Fetters recently announced that Nicholas R. Lower has been appointed the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2024, upon the retirement of its current Chief Executive Officer, Michael G. Kerr.
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINN., August 16, 2023 - Wilson Tool International, the largest independent manufacturer of tooling systems for punch presses, press brakes, and punch and die components for the stamping and tableting industries, today announces the appointment of Chris Lawless as COO and the ...
Pictured from left to right: Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities CEO Patrick Sukhum; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota Executive Director Jackie Johnson; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota Executive Director Michelle Redman; Big Brothers Big Sisters of America President and ...
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MN OSHA is planning a significant penalty increase. To ensure our clients are well informed about the upcoming MN OSHA changes, we have compiled a list below. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your OECS Safety Associate.
Sunbelt Business Advisors Applauds SBA Rules Revisions for 7a Loans --Will Provide More Flexible Succession-Planning and Exit Options for Business Owners MINNEAPOLIS – 5/12 – Sunbelt Business Advisors President Chris Jones today applauded Small Business Association (SBA) revisions to rules on 7a ...
We extended our scholarship application deadline to MAY 15, 2023!
The Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence seeks engineering and STEM-related professionals, educators, and college/university students to serve as judges for the 2023 Engineering Machine Design Championship event at Anoka Technical College on Friday, April 21. They anticipate around 40 ...
Know Before You Go! 46th Annual Golden Gloves Banquet and Boxing Exhibition Sponsored by Lube-Tech - SOLD OUT! We are looking forward to seeing everyone on March 28 at a sold out Golden Gloves! Please share this information with those attending the event with you; we only have email addresses for ...
MPMA's President/CEO Steve Kalina was reappointed as a business representative for the Governor's Workforce Development Board. He will continue to serve on the board for the next three years. Read the full press release here!
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Concept Machine Tool evolves capabilities, leadership, and name to become Concept — bringing unmatched knowledge and comprehensive offerings to the precision manufacturing industry. MINNEAPOLIS, MN – February 2023 Concept Machine Tool, a company that has spent the past 45 years providing quality ...
St. Paul, MN. We are pleased to announce that as of December 30, 2022 Precision Coatings, Inc. purchased the assets of Dicronite® of Minnesota, Inc. and began providing the Dicronite® services on January 3, 2023. We are excited to add the Dicronite® product to our portfolio of coating services that ...
We're excited to announce the 2023 Education Foundation officers and board members! President: Chuck Olson, Maxcam Vice President: Heidi Braun, Anoka Technical College Secretary/Treasurer: Barb Dorumsgaard, NTM Inc. Directors Jesse Schelitzche, Imagineering Machine Jasmine Nordstrom, Hutchinson ...
Every year, the MPMA Education Foundation offers $2,000 scholarships to help motivated people with an interest in manufacturing receive the training they need to become successful in the field. To support as many students as possible, we rely on gifts from people like you, who want to help the ...
True North Mergers and Acquisitions Facilitates Acquisition of Reliable Bronze and Manufacturing by Temple Hall Group Chicago-Based Family Office Makes Platform Investment in Minnesota
GibbsCAM 2023 features a number of significant Turning enhancements including the highly effective implementation of Sandvik Coromant’s PrimeTurningTM strategies. These new cutting methodologies permit turning and facing in all directions, delivering dramatic increases in high volume production. ...
Jones Metal, a company providing advanced metal fabrication solutions for various industries, was recently featured in a Washington Post story about Minnesota's labor market. Read the piece here!
3 Items to review when considering a new healthcare plan: 1) Healthcare Cost and Quality: a. Look for programs that enable employees to evaluate their options for both cost andquality. Within the same zip code there can be large variances in cost and quality, and knowing what a reasonable price to ...
Download the Free Inflation Resource Bundle for Manufacturers
The Minnesota Statewide Tour of Manufacturing is an opportunity for students, families, and the general public to discover the innovative, high-tech world of modern manufacturing. Each year, MPMA helps the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence fund their transportation ...
UNITED GRINDING North America has appointed Concept Machine as its exclusive distributor for cylindrical, surface, and profile grinding as well as tool making and measuring through five states for sales, service, and consumables. “United Grinding is a premier supplier and will be a great partner to ...
By Peter Harrington, Black Line Group
Federated Insurance is offering complimentary risk management training for all industries on August 2-4, 2022. Through this valuable session, you will discover methods you can use immediately to help protect profits by reducing risk at your business.
Members have been asking for help with mounting healthcare costs, and MPMA is excited to announce a new healthcare plan for our members! Partnered with Hahn Financial Group, MPMA will share a plan proven beneficial for manufacturers. Members that have initially reviewed the plan are seeing 10-15% ...
The Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association’s (MPMA) Education Foundation has awarded five $2,000 scholarships to local students who plan to pursue careers in manufacturing. The students include: Maxwell is enrolled at Alexandria Technical and Community College and is majoring in Machine Tool ...
MPMA has a Membership Committee! We are looking for members who like to connect with others and want to help make MPMA stronger by building member engagement.
