Company to invest $6.2 million and will create 33 jobs

DC Group, a Minnesota-based maintenance and repair services group, announced plans to expand its North Minneapolis facility and will create at least 33 full-time permanent jobs. The company's expected private investment in the expansion is over $6.2 million.

Since 1991, the privately-held company has provided uninterruptible power supply and backup power to government and corporate clients, including extensive data centers. The company serves all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

To assist the expansion, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will award DC Group $535,000 from the Minnesota Job Creation Fund if the company meets performance goals.

The fund was first proposed by Governor Mark Dayton last year and was among $24 million in business incentives that were approved in the 2013 legislative session. Officials said the funding was a necessary investment that will help the state compete for new jobs and businesses.

"Some people think there is no role for government in economic development," said Governor Dayton. "But the 33 new, good-paying jobs being created in North Minneapolis through this expansion are proof positive that public-private partnerships are good for business, and good for our economy. I congratulate DC Group on their outstanding achievement."

"Expanding companies like DC Group highlight the type of game-changing technology offerings we have here in Minnesota," added DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben. "We were proud to work with this innovative company to assist in their expansion, which will add high-quality jobs to the state's workforce."

The average wage of the 33 new jobs is over $20 per hour, according to DC Group.

The Minnesota Job Creation Fund is a new, pay-for-performance program that provides up to $1 million to businesses after they meet certain criteria, including minimum requirements for job creation and private investments. Under the program, businesses must create at least 10 full-time jobs and invest at least $500,000 to be eligible for financial assistance.

The program is available to businesses engaged in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, technology and other eligible activities. Companies must work with the local government (city, county or township) where a project is located to apply to DEED to receive designation as a Job Creation Fund business.