WDIO, by Renee Passal
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VIRGINIA, Minnesota. – The expansion is so big it can be seen from Highway 53. After all, it’s 92,000 square feet just north of Virginia.
And it’s the home of the former P&H Minepro offices and manufacturing space. Along with the new space, is a new name.
“We’ve consolidated our brand name into Joy Global name. We will still build P&H shovels and other equipment, but under the Joy Global name,” explained Jon Anderson, regional manager for Joy Global Iron Range.
Leaders say it was a customer driven decision. The company is seeing growth.
“We’re bringing in work from eastern Canada, and Appalachia, and expect to continue to grow,” Anderson said.
P&H is already known well in our taconite plants. Part of the deal for the expansion included 20 new jobs within 5 years. That was the agreement with the city of Virginia, which footed the bill for infrastructure for the site.
Joy Global has hired four people this week, and plans to hire 10 more in the next couple of months. Over 60 people work there now.
Mayor Steve Peterson said they are ahead of pace to hit that 20 mark.
The new building is expected to be in use this fall.