Manufacturing: Brainerd’s best-kept secret
The Brainerd Lakes Area enjoys significant commercial diversity, but one of the best-kept secrets is its strong manufacturing sector. With a sustainable source of workers and an infrastructure that supports manufacturing, existing companies are thriving while others are finding the Brainerd Lakes Area to be an attractive place in which to expand.

Diversity is king

The lakes area is home to more than 115 manufacturers employing 2,500 people. These companies manufacture a variety of products but most fall into one of the following categories:

• Wood products,

• Plastics (rotomolding and thermoforming),

• Precision machining, and

• Printing.

A pipeline for skilled labor

To provide a sustainable workforce, local companies partner with area high schools and Central Lakes College to develop training and educational programs educating students for jobs that are in demand locally.