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Pine County approves state-backed loan support for Atscott Manufacturing expansion
Summary
The Pine County Board adopted Resolution 2026-21 May 5 to pursue a Minnesota Investment Fund loan for Atscott Manufacturing’s Pine City expansion, which county and company officials said would create about 15 jobs and use local contractors. The public hearing drew no testimony.
The Pine County Board of Commissioners on May 5 adopted Resolution 2026-21 to execute a Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) grant agreement to support an expansion at Atscott Manufacturing’s Pine City facility.
Economic Development Coordinator Lezlie Sauter said Atscott is pursuing MIF assistance to help finance a planned facility expansion that the company says will create 15 new jobs. Atscott Chief Executive Officer Steve Birch told the board that demand tied to a federal contract is urgent and that U.S. Customs and Border Protection “is in need of up to 350 towers” that Atscott intends to manufacture at the expanded Pine City site by the end of 2028. Birch confirmed local contractors will be used, identifying Mark Haug Construction as the general contractor.
Vice Chair Nelson opened and closed the public hearing with no public testimony. Commissioners asked about timeline and county capacity to administer the grant; Birch said pre-work is underway and Pine County’s Economic Development staff have capacity to manage the grant administration. Commissioner Waldhalm asked whether local contractors would be used; Birch confirmed they would be.
Commissioner Hallan moved to adopt Resolution 2026-21 authorizing the county to execute a grant agreement under the Minnesota Investment Fund program and to authorize the Board Chair and County Administrator to sign; Commissioner Waldhalm seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
The board record indicates the county will work with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development if the firm pursues a potential $100,000 MIF loan to support the expansion. The public hearing produced no testimony, and the resolution passed without recorded dissent.
