Aura Fabricators Inc. will open a $3.8 million manufacturing facility in Fergus Falls, state officials announced Thursday.
The Dalton-based maker of ornamental railings, overhead signs, trusses, steel bridge components and other metal products is opening the facility to relieve overcrowding at its Dalton plant in western Minnesota, officials said.
The new facility will be 18 miles north of Dalton and operate with about 21 workers. Fourteen of the workers will be new hires earning on average about $20.50 an hour, state officials said. Seven employees will relocate from Dalton to Fergus Falls. Aura Fabricators currently has 34 employees.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development approved a $189,185 grant for the project, as part of the state's Job Creation Fund. Aura Fabricators will receive the funds only after it completes the expansion project and retains its 14 new hires for a year.
DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy supports the project. "Aura Fabricators has a reputation for making high-quality products and meeting project deadlines," she said. "This funding supports the company's growth plans and will help it to remain competitive nationally."
