These Minnesota companies are growing in spite of the weak economy:
Akkerman Inc., Brownsdale: hired four workers this year and plans to add at least two more
Sportech, Elk River: hired 40 workers and plans to add 10 more
Ideal Aerosmith, East Grand Forks: hired five workers and expects to hire six more
Douglas Machine, Alexandria: hired 30 workers and plans to hire a few more engineers next year
Central Container, Brooklyn Park: hired nine people this year and may add two next year
![Attendees of Frostbike made their way through the convention Saturday at the Quality Bike Products campus in Minneapolis. ] (AARON LAVINSKY/STAR TRIBUNE) aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com Frostbike 2016 was held at the Quality Bike Products Campus on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 in Bloomington, Minn.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/NH2BSHB74ND2V6GF2G2HI5X4MM.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
