Minnesota Manufacturing

Manufacturing an important part of Greater Minnesota’s economy.

Throughout the month of October, tours are taking place across the state in celebration of Minnesota Manufacturing. We would like to highlight the contributions of our production divisions to Minnesota’s manufacturing industry by providing tours of our production facilities in Bemidji, Buhl, and Roseau.

• Bemidji: October 10th, 12:30-2:00pm
• Buhl: October 1st, 12:30-2:00pm
• Roseau : October 2nd, 12:30-2:30pm

ODC employs over 50 people in the manufacturing industry, and according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the average manufacturing job supports another 3.24 jobs in other segments of Minnesota’s economy. That makes for more than 162 jobs supported by our manufacturing efforts.

“Many of our products are shipped all over the world,” said Roger Allen, Roseau division manager. “We contract with a company that sells fleece winter mittens that are completed here and shipped off to them for sale around the United States. Some smaller assembly and manufacturing jobs we have include tying tubes and reticulated foam that assist with transporting of windows, in addition to MNDOT winter and summer safety flags.”

Polaris Industries, for which ODC produces tool pouches and assembles vents at its Roseau division, is one of eight Fortune 500 manufacturing companies that operate in Minnesota. 

“Northern Minnesota is an excellent location for a manufacturer. We have plenty of readily available materials and manpower,” said Kacy Idso, division manager. “As the manufacturing industry has developed, we’ve needed to invest in faster equipment and processes to satisfy the needs of our new and existing customers.”

Their 40,000 square foot facility produces 2.5 million board feet of stake and lath per year. They supply survey, engineering, erosion control, landscape, and construction industries with premium stake and lath.

“We start with 22- and 24-gauge steel and end with powder coated file organizers and dust pans. Our employees shear, press, bend, pierce, and weld daily. Then we wash and powder coat these products. We also powder coat several different products for multiple OEM’s that are received and shipped daily,” said Keith Willard, division manager. “We continue to be one of the few manufacturers that create economic growth in our community. The products we manufacture and powder coat are shipped domestically and internationally, bringing in dollars from outside of our community.”

With customer satisfaction as a top priority, ODC’s Production Coating Specialties (PCS), can make any project stand out. From powder coating to assembly and packaging, they can create a customized plan to meet the needs of their customers. 

“ODC has a long history in regional manufacturing,” said Lane Young, Vice President of Operations and Business Development. “With a focus on streamlined and scalable production, we are continually expanding our services and developing our specialties to better serve both our long-standing customers and new markets.”

ODC is a nonprofit organization specializing in employment skills development and support for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment, working with community businesses to provide options for inclusive and sustainable employment that result in greater independence.