Cooler Careers in Manufacturing
GEAR UP FOR YOUR FUTURE
Manufacturing Job Opportunities in Grand Forks, ND
If you want to build a strong future, look no further than the many manufacturing jobs in Grand Forks, ND! Work with industry leaders like GE Vernova or Cirrus Aircraft, where innovation meets precision on the production floor. Grand Forks ag manufacturing companies offer incredible careers where you can help feed the Nation at companies like Simplot, Philadelphia Macaroni, or Black Gold Farms. Power America’s supply chain at state-of-the-art manufacturers like Retrax/Realtruck, Ideal Aerosmith, or Vorbeck. Or be part of advanced manufacturing research at the University of North Dakota, where tomorrow’s technologies take shape today.
2,827
Number of
Manufacturing Jobs
in Grand Forks in 2024
13.2%
Job Growth
between
2022-2024
$24
Average Hourly
Wage for
Production Workers
CIRRUS AIRCRAFT
Cirrus Aircraft, headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, operates a key manufacturing facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota, at 1400 S 48th St. This location is integral to the production of composite components for the SR Series and the Vision Jet, including carbon fiber parts unique to the Vision Jet . In 2020, Cirrus purchased its nearly 200,000-square-foot facility in the Grand Forks Industrial Park for $1.9 million . The company plans to invest $14.5 million to expand operations in Grand Forks, aiming to increase production rates and introduce new programs, such as the SR-10 training aircraft
PS INDUSTRIES
PS Industries, established in 1974 and headquartered in Grand Forks, North Dakota, is a family-owned manufacturer specializing in industrial doors, safety and fall protection products, and flood barriers. The company operates a 180,000-square-foot facility and serves over 6,000 clients across more than 50 countries, including NASA, the United Nations, and Xcel Energy. PS Industries is known for its custom-engineered solutions tailored to sectors such as military, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. The company recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and continues to innovate in protective infrastructure and safety equipment.
SIMPLOT
Simplot’s Grand Forks operations include a large food processing plant producing frozen potato products like French fries, supported by extensive cold storage facilities. The company also runs agricultural services providing fertilizers, crop protection, and seed supplies to local farmers. Additionally, Simplot operates a fertilizer manufacturing plant nearby, supplying essential inputs for regional agriculture. Together, these facilities form a vertically integrated manufacturing and supply system serving both food production and agricultural markets.
IDEAL AEROSMITH
Ideal Aerosmith provides turnkey test solutions, integration services, and build-to-print manufacturing opportunities for a broad array of industries, including aerospace and defense. Located in midtown Grand Forks this custom solutions provider offers an incredible, support work environment where people take center stage and get every other Friday off. They are always on the hunt for electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, inventory managers, and contract compliance.
VORBECK MATERIALS
Vorbeck Materials is a technology company specializing in advanced graphene-based products, including conductive inks and flexible electronics. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Maryland, it also has operations in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The company focuses on integrating flexible printed electronics with traditional systems for applications in wearables, military, and public safety. Vorbeck holds over 100 patents and continues to expand its product development capabilities in Grand Forks.
LM WIND POWER GE VERNOVA
LM Wind Power, part of GE Vernova, operates a major manufacturing facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where it produces large wind turbine blades used in renewable energy projects across North America. The Grand Forks plant has been a key employer in the region for years, supporting hundreds of local jobs and helping position the city as a hub for clean energy manufacturing. The facility focuses on innovation and precision engineering, creating some of the longest and most advanced blades in the industry. LM Wind Power’s presence in Grand Forks reflects GE Vernova’s broader mission to expand sustainable energy solutions while strengthening local economies. The company continues to invest in technology and workforce development to ensure the plant remains a cornerstone of the area’s renewable energy landscape.
REALTRUCK RETRAX
RealTruck’s Retrax division in Grand Forks, ND, specializes in designing and manufacturing premium retractable truck bed covers, including electric and manual models made from polycarbonate and aluminum. The facility at 5400 32nd Ave S serves as a major production, engineering, and distribution center. Retrax products are known for durability, security, and sleek design, serving both consumer and commercial markets. The site supports innovation and growth, with ongoing hiring across manufacturing, engineering, and logistics roles.
STEFFES
Steffes Corporation, a family-owned manufacturer headquartered in Dickinson, North Dakota, operates a significant facility in Grand Forks, ND, located at 1726 US-2. Established in the 1940s, Steffes has evolved from producing snowmobile skis and grain bins to specializing in steel fabrication and electrical services for industries such as oil and gas, contract manufacturing, and electric thermal storage. The Grand Forks facility is integral to Steffes’ operations, offering services including cutting, machining, welding, assembly, and painting. The company is recognized for its commitment to safety and quality, having earned multiple SHARP (Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program) certifications across its facilities.
ODRA LLC.
Odra LLC, based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, specializes in manufacturing mechanical street sweepers. Since 2006, the company has produced over 1,400 MT4H models for the U.S. and Canadian markets. In 2020, Odra rebranded from its previous identity as Challenger Manufacturing to independently market its sweepers under the Odra name. The company operates a manufacturing facility at 705 South 48th Street in Grand Forks and maintains additional service centers in Texas, Florida, and Canada. Odra’s sweepers are known for their straightforward design, durability, and ease of maintenance, serving municipal and commercial clients across North America.
AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR
American Crystal Sugar Company operates a major sugar beet processing facility in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, located at 1020 Business Highway 2. As part of a cooperative owned by nearly 2,800 shareholders, the East Grand Forks plant processes over 2.3 million tons of sugar beets annually, producing approximately 8.3 million hundredweight of sugar each year. The company is one of the largest beet sugar producers in the U.S., controlling about one-third of the nation’s sugar beet production. The East Grand Forks plant, along with others in the cooperative, plays a crucial role in the region’s agricultural economy, supporting local farmers and contributing to the production of a significant portion of the nation’s sugar supply.
Agristo
Agristo is a Belgian family-owned company known for producing high-quality frozen potato products enjoyed around the world. The company is expanding into North America with a new production facility in Grand Forks, chosen for its rich agricultural roots and strong potato-growing community. This major investment will bring hundreds of new jobs and strengthen local partnerships with farmers. Agristo aims to make the Grand Forks plant a model of innovation, sustainability, and community collaboration. The project reflects the company’s mission to set the gold standard for potato-inspired products.
PHILADELPHIA MACARONI COMPANY
Philadelphia Macaroni Company’s Grand Forks facility focuses on producing a wide range of traditional dry pasta products, including long goods like lasagna sheets. The plant also provides co-packing services for macaroni and cheese, catering to both private label and branded customers. Equipped with advanced manufacturing technology, the Grand Forks location supports high-volume production to efficiently serve regional and national markets. It is a vital hub in PMC’s network, emphasizing quality, consistency, and flexibility to meet diverse client needs.
MEADOWLARK AIRCRAFT
Meadowlark Aircraft Company is a manufacturer of bespoke unmanned aerial systems. Their current focus is light Group 3 (100-300 LB TOW) fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems for defense (stealth) and civilian (agriculture, mid-range parcel delivery) applications. They are headquartered in the HIVE UAS Accelerator in the heart of downtown Grand Forks. With roles in manufacturing, design, engineering, finance, marketing and more, this company is a great place to look for careers in UAS in Grand Forks, ND.
PARAGON PRO
Paragon Pro Manufacturing Solutions, based in Grand Forks, specializes in light construction equipment such as their signature Panellift® drywall lifts, along with material handling equipment and work platforms. They also provide custom contract manufacturing services including laser cutting, machining, and 3D printing for a variety of industries. Originally founded as Telpro Inc. in 1973, the company was rebranded as Paragon Pro in 2018 after new ownership took over. Since then, they’ve invested in advanced equipment like a Mazak laser cutter to improve production efficiency and reduce lead times, aiming to grow both their own product lines and custom fabrication services.
ND MILL & ELEVATOR
The North Dakota Mill and Elevator in Grand Forks is the largest single-site flour mill in the U.S. and state-owned. It processes over 130,000 bushels of wheat daily, producing flour, bran, and semolina for bulk and packaged distribution. The facility recently expanded capacity by 22% and upgraded its truck unloading to improve efficiency. With around 156 employees, it’s a major economic contributor, shipping most products outside North Dakota and supporting the state’s general fund.
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS GROUP
Technology Applications Group (TAG) has incredible manufacturing jobs in Grand Forks, ND. The company specializes in advanced coatings, notably its environmentally friendly Tagnite® anodize process for magnesium alloys used in aerospace and defense. Founded in 1987, TAG offers services like spray painting, surface finishing, and Cerakote® application, focusing on high-performance magnesium castings. Operating from a single location with about 13 employees, the company is also licensed as a firearms manufacturer. TAG’s coatings are valued for their abrasion resistance and uniformity, making them essential for military and aerospace components.
BIFROST
Bifrost Manufacturing, located at 1213 Rylan Road in Grand Forks, ND, is a custom and contract manufacturing company specializing in engineering, 3D printing, CNC machining, and post-processing services. They offer turnkey solutions for industries such as aerospace, defense, and industrial automation, addressing supply chain challenges with localized production and automation. In 2024, Bifrost hosted a VEX Robotics competition in collaboration with the University of North Dakota, aiming to inspire students in STEM and engineering fields.
INTEGRATED STEEL SOLUTIONS
Integrated Steel Solutions in Grand Forks specializes in cold-formed steel framing and fabrication using advanced FRAMECAD technology. They convert architectural designs into pre-cut, notched, and pre-punched steel components, which are assembled into panels, trusses, and joists for quick on-site construction. This process reduces labor costs, construction time, and material waste, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional framing. Founded in 2019, the company is led by experienced engineers and offers nationwide services for commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Integrated Steel Solutions is known for its innovation and quality in modern construction.
NORTHERN TIER SEED
Northern Tier Seed, located in Thompson, ND, is a certified seed conditioning facility serving farmers across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Since its founding in 2001, the company has grown significantly, offering services such as seed conditioning, treating, field inspections, storage, and transportation using advanced Satake equipment. Supported by local growth initiatives, Northern Tier Seed has expanded its facility and capabilities to meet increasing demand and improve efficiency. Their comprehensive services help optimize seed quality and supply chain management for regional agricultural producers by offering manufacturing jobs in Grand Forks, ND.
BLACK GOLD FARMS
Black Gold Farms is a long established, family-owned agribusiness based here in Grand Forks, and specializes in potato productions, packing, and global sales. The company is a significant local manufacturing/processing employer. The Grand Forks facility helps connect rich potato-growing lands to food-manufacturing markets, which contributes to agribusiness and processing infrastructure in the region.
NORTH DAKOTA COFFEE ROASTERY
North Dakota Coffee Roastery is a women-owned, small-batch coffee roaster based in Grand Forks, ND. Founded by Sandi Luck, the company began as part of Bully Brew Coffee House and has since grown into an independent entity. They specialize in roasting high-quality beans sourced from 14 countries, offering single-origin, signature blends, and custom roasts for wholesale clients across the Midwest. The roastery operates out of a 20,000-square-foot facility at 1401 Dyke Avenue, which includes roasting equipment, a coffee school, and a tasting room. Their roasting process emphasizes freshness, with beans hand-roasted to order and packaged in bags designed to preserve flavor until opened