Electric battery production will double

By Staff | on June 09, 2023

HIBBING – Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing LLC (Detroit Reman) in partnership with Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority (CHAA) broke ground in May on construction of a 60,000-square-foot addition to Detroit Reman's existing operations at the Range Regional Airport campus.

The addition will double Detroit Reman's current manufacturing and remanufacturing footprint to meet the demand for electronic components and the growing need for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).

The added space will accommodate more production lines, additional warehouse space and the storage of cores and other EV components. The expansion supports Detroit Reman's strategy to prepare for the future of BEVs and the industry's shift toward cleaner and more sustainable technologies.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the expansion with a $10 million business loan and $500,000 infrastructure grant to CHAA. Total project investment is approximately $20.8 million. Detroit Reman will lease the new space from CHAA through a long-term lease agreement.

"Detroit Reman is one of northeastern Minnesota's major manufacturers. With this expansion, their impact on the region's economy will grow even greater," said Commissioner Ida Rukavina, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation.

"For over 130 years, northeastern Minnesota's miners have been at work extracting iron ore. Now, the workers of our region will also be instrumental in producing the electric components needed for the emerging electric vehicle and battery industry. Detroit Reman's expansion project here in Hibbing underscores the important role that northeastern Minnesota has long had in the nation's economy and innovation."

Detroit Reman already plays a significant role in the manufacturing and remanufacturing of truck and bus components, enabling it to support its parent company, Daimler Truck North America, in advancing its zero-emission goals by facilitating the electrification of commercial vehicles for its customers. The additional footprint will allow the Hibbing facility to dedicate space to safely expand the high-voltage manufacturing area resulting in more production lines for electric components, including the remanufacturing of batteries and inverters.

"We are committed to our Detroit Reman facility in Hibbing and excited to further grow our portfolio by expanding the existing site in preparation of the growing battery-electric vehicle commercial market," said Brian Lewallen, Detroit Reman president.

Detroit Reman is one of seven businesses located at Range Regional Airport including: Acar Auto Rental, Carey Lake Seaplanes, Premium Air, Life Link III, Midwest Aircraft Refinishing and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

In addition to providing daily air transportation through Delta Air Lines and Sun Country, the campus has become a commercial and industrial center in northeastern Minnesota.

"Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority is a major economic development hub for northeastern Minnesota, and the expansion of Detroit Reman's footprint and operations demonstrates what we can offer new and expanding businesses," said Barrett Ziemer, Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority executive director.

"The entire 58 acres is Shovel-Ready certified, which allows us to put development projects on a fast track. We are so pleased to add this expansion to our already bustling business community at the airport campus."

Learn more about Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing at demanddetroit.com.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation's loans and grants are funded through taxes paid by Minnesota's mining industry. For loan information, call Scott Sundvall at 218-735- 3015. For Development Infrastructure grant information, contact Chris Ismil at 218-735-3010.

Source: The Ranger, a publication of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. Pictured at the Detroit Reman groundbreaking (l. to r.): Scott Sundvall, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation; Arik Forsman, Minnesota Power; Mayor Adam Lantz, city of Chisholm; Betsy Olivanti, city of Hibbing; Janelle Greschner, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation; Barrett Ziemer, Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority; Bill Statham, Detroit Reman; Brian Lewallen, Detroit Reman; Jeff Nelson, Department of Employment and Economic Development; Matt Sjoberg, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation; Commissioner Ida Rukavina, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation; and Mayor Pete Hyduke, city of Hibbing. Photo courtesy of IRRR.

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