Auto parts maker in southeast Minnesota's Spring Grove laying off 80 workers

Job cuts will be completed by the end of the year, Northern Engraving told the state of Minnesota.

October 6, 2023 at 8:47PM

Northern Engraving Corp. is laying off about 80 employees at its facility in Spring Grove in the southeast corner of the state.

"They called me this morning," said Saundra Solum, mayor of Spring Grove. "They're still keeping it open as more of a warehouse."

It is not clear how many employees will remain at the facility.

The company produces metal trim for automobiles and appliances. It also makes nameplates and building surfaces.

The company notified the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development of the layoffs, which are expected to be handled in phases beginning Dec. 6 and completed by the end of that month. It affects both hourly and salaried employees.

A representative of Northern Engraving could not be reached for comment.

Northern Engraving is based in Sparta, Wis., and is a subsidiary of the China-based company NBHX.

"We're a small town. That will be a pretty big impact," said Solum of the layoffs.

Solum said that Spring Grove's population is approximately 1,200 to 1,300 people.

Correction: A previous version of this story had an incorrect location for Northern Engraving's parent company. NBHX is based in China.
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Burl Gilyard

Medtronic/medtech reporter

Burl Gilyard is the Star Tribune's medtech reporter.

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