The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has announced a Job Creation Fund (JCF) and Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) award for Kato Engineering, Inc.

Kato Engineering, a part of Nidec Power, designs and manufactures products that provide primary and backup power for critical infrastructure applications like defense, datacenters, and hospitals, as well as for the commercial sector including retail and manufacturing.

The funding, part of an overall $7.2 million investment, will expand the testing capabilities in the existing 350,000-square-foot North Mankato facility to improve efficiency and production capacity. The test expansion includes a dedicated feed from Xcel Energy, new foundation to contain two test bases, electrical switchgear, Motor and Drive Systems, and a Digital Acquisition (DAQ) system. This exciting new addition is anticipated to create over 40 new jobs in the North Mankato area.

“Nidec and Kato Engineering see Minnesota as not only a hub for our critical power technology, but also as an important growth partner,” said Vice President of Operations Jerhod Smithback.  “The support we receive from Minnesota leadership and agencies is a reciprocal relationship, and we are proud that we can translate such investments into an even stronger local workforce and economy.”

DEED is supporting the expansion in North Mankato with a $300,000 forgivable loan from the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) and $175,000 from the Job Creation Fund (JCF).

Media Contact:  Kato Engineering
Laura Kosloske
001 507-345-4011
laura.kosloske@mail.nidec.com