Global beekeeping manufacturer to expand in former home of Brainerd paper mill
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Global beekeeping manufacturer to expand in former home of Brainerd paper mill
Brainerd MN 506 James St. / PO Box 974 56401
One of the world’s largest manufacturers of beekeeping supplies, Mann Lake, is expanding in the Brainerd lakes Minnesota area by opening manufacturing operations in the Brainerd Industrial Center.
The BIC will introduce Mann Lake to the Brainerd lakes area celebrated the expansion with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m.Tuesday, Dec. 15 at the former paper mill in northeast Brainerd.
Headquartered in Hackensack, Minnesota, Mann Lake manufactures and sells its products worldwide. The company offers a comprehensive line of beekeeping products that serve the entire industry, from the single-hive enthusiast to large commercial operations. Mann Lake has everything a beekeeper needs to build and sustain healthy hives and all the tools necessary to bring products to market or make gifts for family and friends.
Mann Lake’s Brainerd operation, which is scheduled to start in January, will involve cutting and milling lumber for the manufacturing operation in Hackensack. Initially, eight employees will work in Brainerd but the workforce may total as many as 25 by the end of 2016.
“With the expansion of our woodenware operations at the BIC facility, Mann Lake will broaden its manufacturing flexibility by shortening lead times of products that are currently outsourced and reduce component costs while maintaining a higher level of quality control that results in better overall customer satisfaction,” Mann Lake’s Dave Peterson said in a news release. “In order to accomplish this, we need good employees. Our strategy in partnering with BIC offers the demographics and exposure necessary to attract quality personnel who are interested in contributing and sharing in our success.”
Mann Lake is an example of the type of manufacturer that BIC is working to attract as tenants for its 600,000-square-foot facility, which is the former Brainerd Paper Mill in northeast Brainerd. BIC purchased the property in 2014 and is redeveloping it as a multi-tenant, mixed-use facility that includes manufacturers and industrial companies that can take advantage of the facility’s features, like expansive floor space, overhead cranes, loading docks, rail sidings, indoor dock space, heavy power and high ceilings.
“This is a homerun for the Brainerd Industrial Center,” BIC CEO Mike Higgins said. “We are excited to work with Mann Lake on their overflow and expansion needs. We have room in our facility for 10 more just like them and there is room for all of them to grow with us.”
Mann Lake’s expansion is a big win for the Brainerd lakes area as well, said Sheila Haverkamp Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corp. executive director. Attracting new companies from the growing manufacturing sector to this area is one of BLAEDC’s priorities because it typically means many good-paying jobs.
“We’ve been working with BIC from Day One to help fill that facility with manufacturers and other industrial companies,” Haverkamp said. “It’s a win-win since it brings news jobs and opportunities to the Brainerd lakes area, while helping B.I.C. meet its operational goals.”
