With the recent purchase of Stern Rubber by ZhongLi Corporation, things continue to change and expand at both of our locations.  Most recently our company just approved a $1.26 million dollar building addition to our Aitkin facility, expanding our current plant from 10,000 square feet to 20,000, and adding 10 new positions within the facility.  The new addition will be used to expand the manufacturing capabilities of Stern Rubber’s already established gate valve production ability, in which we do for companies such as American Valve and Hydrant, and Waterous Co.
With the expansion growing our production capabilities, we also plan to increase the staff size at the Aitkin location.  The addition of employees, led to a great grant opportunity to help cover some of the cost of building.  The State of Minnesota Job Creation Fund which was proposed by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton in 2013, offers companies like Stern some financial assistance, if they create new jobs in the local community.  This amazing program led to our project here at Stern, receiving nearly $80,000 to put towards expanding our facility and workforce.  Here is the official news release from the State of MN Department of Employment and Economic Development: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/press-releases/?id=245219.
The expansion of the Aitkin facility will begin in early July and is scheduled to be completed this fall, with the ability to begin production right away.