MDI opens new Cohasset facility

The new Minnesota Diversity Industries (MDI) 110,000 square-foot facility is now open for operation. MDI's mission is to "serve people with disabilities by offering inclusive employment opportunities and services."

The grand opening was held Thursday featuring speakers such as MDI President and CEO Peter McDermott, MDI Board Chair Richard Harding, and an MDI worker representative. Civil servants from local, county, state, and national legislature were in attendance.

"A project like this doesn't just happen," said Harding during the grand opening presentation. "You had the vision and the courage to move this forward."

Blind Joe entertained the crowd with his country guitar playing and singing while visitors were treated to a light lunch.

"People with disabilities have abilities," said MDI President and CEO Peter McDermott. "They can do a great job? these are some of the best employees I've ever worked with."

The $2 million dollar building, along with an additional $550,000 in renovations, has left MDI moving forward with zero dollars in debt in regards to the facility. This was made possible by a $1 million grant from the Blandin Foundation, a $300,000 grant from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB), and MDI's own investment from cash reserves.

This expansion will enable MDI to expand its polyethylene plastics manufacturing business, enter new lines of business, and provide a spacious and efficient facility for employees and operations.

"A big part of being able to provide a job opportunity for people with disabilities is having space to do it," said McDermott. "And I mean quality space to do it."

MDI will be relocating the majority of its Deer River recycling and environmental services, such as conversion lines and sorting, to Cohasset. They will also be expanding from polyethylene to polypropylene, according to McDermott.

MDI is a manufacturing organization that provides standard and custom packaging solutions, production and fulfillment services, and environmental services for business-to-business customers.

MDI has facilities in the Twin Cities, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Deer River, and now, Cohasset.