Massman Companies, Inc. is pursuing a potential $16.3 million expansion of its operations to Alexandria, it was reported last week by the Echo Press.

The Alexandria City Council supported the packaging company’s Job Creation Fund application through the Minnesota Department of  Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

In 2021, Massman acquired 80 west of Alexandria across from the Alexandria Lake Association Sanitary District, which is zoned for the Massman operations.  The potential site would include construction of a 72,000 square-foot facility for Massman to assemble, test, and qualify its automated packaging systems, the council was told by Jeffrey Hohn, president and CEO of Massman.

Currently, Massman employs 378 workers at its Villard facility.  The Alexandria site would allow for 100 position transfers from that site, along with 10 new full-time positions within two years after the Alexandria facility is completed.  The 100 workers would include engineers, mechanical assembly, electrical assembly and sales personnel.

Massman has additional sites in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and Florida.

“All of Massman’s locations require expansion, and Massman’s preference with city and community support is to begin that expansion in Alexandria,” Hohn said. “The site is capable of housing two additional expansions beyond the first 72,000 square feet.”

In August, the company began occupancy in Turning Leaf business park. This expansion space was immediately filled with new projects throughout 2023. The company is seeking to complete the new facility by early 2024 to meet capacity requirements, Hohn said.

Hohn added that Massman’s goals are to build a site that is sustainable, capitalizes and protects the natural beauty of the property and provides a world class facility for people to work. The initial plans include a site with an abundance of natural light and one that preserves all the wetlands, trees, and will restore much of the land to natural habitat.

To be designated as a Job Creation Fund business, a company must:

•Be engaged in manufacturing.

•Obtain local government support through a city council’s resolution.

•Invest at least $250,000 in real property improvements within one year of being designated.

•Create at least five new full-time permanent jobs within two years of being designated.

•Pay at least $14.01 per hour in wages and benefits, adjusted annually.

•Have other location options outside Minnesota.

•Cause no undue harm to Minnesota business competitors.

•Certify that the project would not occur without Job Creation Fund assistance.