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Lonsdale council approves Technical Methods expansion, citing apprenticeships and local jobs
Summary
The council unanimously approved Resolution 2026-24 to allow a 100-by-120-foot addition to Technical Methods Inc. at 1951 Commerce Drive SE. The company said the space will add storage, new machinery and room for an apprenticeship program and is expected to create three to four positions.
The Lonsdale City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2026-24 on April 30 to allow a 100-foot by 120-foot addition to Technical Methods Incorporated (TMI) at 1951 Commerce Drive SE.
Community Development Planner Cory Hinz-Ibarra told the council the application (Land Use Application 2026-02) meets the I-2 zoning standards for setbacks, lot coverage, building design and utilities and was recommended by the Planning Commission. Justin Lau, owner of TMI, said the company is a “pattern-making shop serving the aerospace and defense industry” that has operated in Lonsdale for 10 years and that the addition would provide space for new machinery, expanded raw material storage and “dedicated workspace to support an apprenticeship program for pattern makers.”
Hinz-Ibarra said key conditions tied to approval include execution of an encroachment agreement, coordination with Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric for any impacted light poles, and replacement or relocation of affected trees. The council praised TMI as a local employer and community partner and asked staff to help connect Lau with neighboring businesses and economic development resources.
The motion to approve Resolution 2026-24 was made by Brian Wermerskirchen and seconded by Scott Pelava; the vote was 5-0 in favor. Mayor Tom Berg later noted the TMI addition is anticipated in late May and offered to connect Lau with a neighboring business to support operations and apprenticeship planning.
The approval clears the way for TMI to begin meeting the conditions of the site plan and proceed toward construction pending final permits and coordination with utilities.
