Not too shabby.
Seven public Minnesota companies joined Apple in gracing IndustryWeek's 50 Best U.S. Manufacturers list, according to the publication released Friday.
While Apple grabbed the number one spot, Medina-based Polaris Industries and Shoreview-based Deluxe Corp. respectively snatched the second and third-place rankings. Polaris makes all-terrain four wheelers, motorcycles and snowmobiles. Deluxe Corp. still makes bank and consumer checks, but also offers printing and other services for small businesses.
The IndustryWeek list had more news for fellow product makers from the land of Lake Woebegone. Also jumping aboard the "Best List" were lawnmower maker Toro (7); bed maker Select Comfort (13), and industrial sprayer firm Graco (19) made the top half of the list.
Austin-based Hormel ranked 30th best, while filtration giant Donaldson Corp. graced 41.
3M Company, which is one of two Minnesota based companies to grace the Dow Jones Industrial Average stock index, ranked 46.
The best manufacturer designation delivers a much needed pat on the back for an industry thumped by depressed pricing and other problems in the oil/gas, ore-mining, food crop and ag equipment sectors. Many Minnesota manufacturers report second quarter earnings results within the next two weeks. Stay tuned.
