We are so proud of and excited about the results of this year’s Northeast Minnesota Tour of Manufacturing!!!  The event, which took place October 23-25, was a roaring success!

40 businesses from the Twin Ports to Hibbing to Two Harbors opened their doors to nearly 650 students from 29 local schools. Participation doubled from the 2023 tour. This initiative is a chance for young minds to explore the inner workings of local industries.

This year’s tour not only offered a unique behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing process but also emphasized the career opportunities available in manufacturing.

“By exposing students to the realities of modern manufacturing, we are planting the seeds for a robust future workforce that is well-informed and eager to engage,” said Wade Karnes, AMFA President, and President of Zakobe LLC.

Companies that offered tours included Altec, American Precision Avionics, Barko Hydraulics LLC, BotCrew, Cast Corp, Cirrus Aircraft, Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing, Epicurean, Exodus Global, Fen-Tech, GPM Inc., Genesis Attachments, Hancock Fabrication, Inc., Heliene, Hibbing Fabricators, IPS Cranes, Komatsu, L&M Radiator, LP Building Solutions, LaBounty, Loll Designs, ME Elecmental, Moline Machinery, Nelson Wood Shims, Northland Machine, Pro Print, Rapid Energy Center, SCS Interior, Swan Machine, The Forge, Trison Solutions, UPM, World Block Inc., Yanmar, and Zakobe LLC.

The tour was a massive project to coordinate and it was masterfully handled by the True North Stars Consortium and the Lake Superior Perkins Consortium, with significant contributions from AMFA, local businesses, educational leaders, APEX, the City of Duluth Workforce Development, Lake Superior College, Minnesota North College, Itasca Economic Development Corporation, MN Department of Employment & Economic Development, and the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence.

Adding to the tour’s prestige, Cirrus Aircraft sponsored the statewide initiative, reinforcing the importance of manufacturing to Minnesota's broader economic landscape.

“The support from Cirrus highlights the collaborative spirit of our region and the collective commitment to nurturing local talent,” added Karnes.

The event was put on by the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX), in collaboration with Lake Superior College, Lake Superior and True North Stars Perkins Consortium, Minnesota North College, MN Department of Employment & Economic Development (MN DEED), MN State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence, Arrowhead Manufacturers & Fabricators Association (AMFA), Itasca Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), and the City of Duluth Workforce Development.

This is an incredibly worthwhile event for AMFA and the future of manufacturing in Northern Minnesota. Please join the committee to work on the event in 2025, which is anticipated to be even larger, by emailing Carolyn at the office.

Caption: Upper right moving down: Yanmar, Exodus Global, Minnesota Power, Nelson Wood Shims.












Above: Northland Machine. Below l to r: Swan Machine, The Forge. Bottom: UPM Blandin