A new manufacturing plant may open for business south of Luverne in 2018 if state funds come through as planned.
Under a resolution passed Aug. 8 by the Rock County Commissioners, Midwest Dry Cast is eligible for job creation funds through the Minnesota Department of Economic Development.
Midwest Dry Cast is a collaboration of companies that manufacture concrete materials — primarily flooring — for livestock facilities.
The new manufacturing facility will be located on land owned by Ron Fick in Section 15 of Luverne Township. Currently a portion of the parcel is permitted for aggregate extraction. The rest is cropland.
Commissioners unanimously supported the resolution. “There is no county money involved,” said County Administrator Kyle Oldre. “We are only the sponsoring agency.”
With the county’s support, Midwest Dry Cast can go forward with a Job Creation Fund application to DEED.
The fund provides financial incentives to new and/or expanding businesses that meet certain job creation and capital investment targets, according to the state’s website.
Local government support is only one of eight criteria necessary in order to be designated as a Job Creation Fund business.
Among the additional criteria are investing at least $250,000 to $500,000 in property improvements, creating at least five to 10 new full-time permanent jobs, and paying at least $12.85 in wages and benefits.
Location to be rezoned from ag to commercial
About 100 acres will be rezoned from agricultural use to general industry.
“The quickest way is to have the county direct Planning and Zoning to have a public hearing,” said County Attorney Don Klosterbuer.
Currently the public hearing is scheduled for 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, at the Rock County Law Enforcement meeting room.
Comments and questions may be submitted in writing to the Rock County Land Management Office, 311 W. Gabrielson Road, Luverne, by 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28.
Oldre said the north portion of the Luverne Township property behind Shopko and Rock County Implement was already rezoned to general industry.
While the request is to rezone about 100 acres, Midwest Dry Cast would locate on only a portion of that property.
First project supported by the commissioners
Midwest Dry Cast organizers approached Rock County for support through the Job Creation Fund.
“This is the first time the county has participated,” Oldre said.
The city of Luverne has sponsored similar business proposals for state funding but not in the last five years, according to economic development director Holly Sammons.
“This is a relatively new program offered through the state,” she said.
The city had businesses participate in the JOBZ (Job Opportunity Building Zones) program, which ended in 2015.