DEED unveils Made in Minnesota directory

Article By:  Minneapolis/St Paul Business Journal   |   Sam Black

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has released a Made in Minnesota Directory.

The directory is a free, online database of products and supplies made in Minnesota. DEED launched the database to encourage Minnesota companies to do business with each other, rather than with out-of-state or foreign companies.

About 600 firms are in the database. I ran a quick search of "plastic injection molding" in the database and came up with 39 listings, each with a contact name, number and email as well as a description of the company, list of its top products, when it was founded and how many employees it has.

The directory includes a wide range of industries that includes food products, textiles, fabricated metals, machinery, and computers and electronics.

DEED expects the directory "will strengthen Minnesota’s economy by encouraging local supply chains," said Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben in a press release.

The unveiling of the new directory was among the activities scheduled this week in recognition of Minnesota Manufacturers Week.

Companies still can be listed in the directory by submitting their businesses information on the Made in Minnesota Directory website. There is no cost to be listed in the directory.

Sam Black covers real estate, manufacturing and economic development