by Jeff Achen
Thisweek Newspapers

One of Apple Valley's largest employers is an international manufacturer that, over the past decade, has dug its roots deeply into North America. Its product literally extends more than 2 billion feet through the floors, walls, and ceilings of the U.S. and Canada.

Uponor Wirsbo manufacturing company produces specialized tubing used in plumbing, fire sprinkler, and floor heating systems. It recently broke ground on its fifth expansion since its building first opened in 1989. And, the company says it's not the last expansion. It's part of their plan to expand even further by the year 2014.

A Sept. 7 groundbreaking ceremony signaled more than the addition of over 43,000 square feet of new office and manufacturing space. Apple Valley Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland said it's an example of the kind of "clean industryî commercial development the city is trying to attract. And she said the investment in Apple Valley Wirsbo has demonstrated goes against the trend.

"It's unprecedented in these times. These types of businesses are moving their operations to other countries,î Hamann-Roland said.

Executive Vice President of Uponor North America Jim Bjork said the company has been adding jobs steadily, doubling its employees over the past four years. Today they have about 350 employees with jobs ranging from manufacturing to marketing to research and development. Many of these jobs are the kind of head-of-household jobs that the city loves.

City Administrator Tom Lawell said the jobs coming out of Uponor Wirsbo are just one of the benefits. Other pluses include a boost to the industrial/commercial tax base. The revenue generated by property taxes paid by the company may ease the tax burden on residents.

Lawell says Uponor Wirsbo is also a great neighbor, taking an active part in the community. The appreciation extends both ways.

"We thank the great city of Apple Valley for giving us a wonderful neighborhood for our company to grow up in, and a wonderful place to raise our families,î Bjork said. "We appreciate all the support the city has given us to support not only this expansion, but our place in the area.î

Bjork said Apple Valley is a good place to do business. He says it's attractive, has good schools, a range of housing, and a nearby airport for bringing in the over 1,000 product installation technicians the company trains here each year.

All this is music to city officials' ears. They want energy efficient, clean industry and say they have to be selective considering Apple Valley's square mileage. Hamann-Roland said Apple Valley is a smaller city in comparison to its neighbors, which means economic development decisions deserve even more care and consideration.

"When we do it, we have to do it right,î she said. "Our world needs companies like Uponor. Minnesota needs companies like Uponor.î

Jeff Achen can be reached at av.thisweek@ecm-inc.com.

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