St. Paul, Minn. (May 19, 226) — The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded nearly $43 million through the Minnesota Forward Fund (MFF) to support major business expansion projects and a new academia-industry technology initiative expected to strengthen the state’s innovation economy.
The projects are anticipated to create more than 260 new jobs, retain more than 2,890 existing positions and leverage approximately $693 million in private-sector investment across Minnesota.
State officials said the Minnesota Forward Fund continues to serve as a strategic tool for attracting investment, strengthening industry competitiveness and supporting long-term workforce growth.
Matt Varilek, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), said: “DEED is committed to growing Minnesota’s economy and demonstrating that our state is a great place for business.”0
Varilek added: “The Minnesota Forward Fund is a powerful economic growth tool that enables us to partner with businesses planning significant investments in expansion and site development projects that support local tax base growth and create or retain quality jobs.”
The Minnesota Forward Fund supports business attraction and expansion efforts across established and emerging industries while also providing matching resources tied to federal initiatives, including semiconductor and advanced technology programs.
Major projects receiving funding include:
Boston Scientific — Maple Grove
Award: $10 million
Boston Scientific plans to expand its Maple Grove campus with a 300,000-square-foot addition that will include office space, research and development laboratories, conference facilities and broader campus infrastructure improvements.
The $198 million project is expected to create approximately 150 jobs with an average wage of $27.33 per hour.
Dem-Con HZI Bioenergy — Shakopee
Award: $10 million
Dem-Con HZI Bioenergy is developing an advanced food waste recycling and renewable energy project through a public-private partnership with Ramsey and Washington counties.
The approximately $92 million facility will process 75,000 tons of organic waste annually and convert materials into renewable natural gas and biochar products for industrial and agricultural use.
The project is expected to create 12 new full-time jobs while supporting Minnesota’s sustainability and renewable energy goals.
Ecolab — Eagan
Award: $10 million
Ecolab will invest more than $500 million to modernize and expand its research and development campus in Eagan, one of the largest investments in the company’s Minnesota history.
The expansion will add more than 82,000 square feet to the existing campus and strengthen capabilities in infection prevention technologies, water solutions and digital innovation.
The investment is expected to retain more than 2,890 jobs while supporting future growth opportunities.
Louisiana-Pacific (LP) — North Branch
Award: $10 million
Louisiana-Pacific plans to invest nearly $145 million in a new 200,000-square-foot siding manufacturing facility in North Branch.
The project is expected to create approximately 100 jobs within five years with average wages of $32.75 per hour.
Tony Hamill, Chief Operating Officer of Louisiana-Pacific, said: “LP SmartSide ExpertFinish has experienced strong growth since its launch, and we’re proud to expand our presence in Minnesota with a new pre-finishing facility in North Branch.”
University of Minnesota Twin Cities — Semiconductor Technology Initiative
Award: $2.833 million
The University of Minnesota, in collaboration with Polar Semiconductor and Honeywell Aerospace, is establishing an academic-industry technology center focused on advancing microelectronics and semiconductor research.
The initiative will support development of quantum spintronic technologies used in applications including biomedical devices, industrial automation, automotive technologies and specialized computing systems.
Over the next decade, the center is expected to provide educational and research opportunities for more than 300 students and industry professionals while strengthening Minnesota’s emerging semiconductor ecosystem.
Together, the Minnesota Forward Fund investments reflect the state’s broader strategy to strengthen advanced manufacturing, life sciences, clean energy and emerging technology industries while supporting long-term workforce development and economic growth.
