Geringhoff opens first N. American plant in St. Cloud
The German farm implement company Geringhoff announced on Tuesday plans to open it first North American manufacturing plant in St. Cloud.
The company plans to hire 100 non-union workers and invest $20 million in the plant. Geringhoff is a 130-year-old private company that will manufacture corn harvesting equipment here.
"We've had tremendous growth, but we know that to achieve our full stature we need to manufacture products right here," said Joseph Jandrisch, president of Geringhoff in North America.
The company plans to have models ready for testing next spring and be in full production mode following the 2013 harvest, Jandrisch said.
Gov. Mark Dayton was on hand for the announcement.
"We promise that we're partners with you, the city and the state," Dayton said. "That we will do whatever we can to assist, support your success here, hopefully your future growth here."
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development offered the company tax breaks through the states JOBZ program, which offers exemptions in targeted areas around the state, as well as a $500,000 forgivable loan.
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