The annual Tour of Manufacturing is back and bigger than ever.

Over 30 businesses from Grand Rapids to Superior have opened their doors to students this week, providing an inside look at their operations. Almost 650 students have signed up. Participation has doubled from 2023.

IPS Cranes in Duluth is proud to be part of the event. They are basically the only company in the country that builds locomotive cranes. There are about 40 employees, many who are veterans, at this female-owned business.

Nate Jutila, Vice President, Sales and Service for IPS, said they’ve been able to recruit new employees through this opportunity.

“It’s fun to have new people come through the shop. And share that there are rewarding careers in this area,” he said.

Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX), in collaboration with Lake Superior College, Lake Superior and True North Stars Perkins Consortium, Minnesota North College, MN Department of Employment & Economic Development (MN DEED), MN State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence, Arrowhead Manufacturers & Fabricators Association (AMFA), Itasca Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), and the City of Duluth Workforce Development, is proud to support this initiative.