Company plans 60,000-square-foot expansion

RED WING - Capital Safety, a global provider of fall protection equipment for workers in construction, oil and gas, utilities and other industries, today announced a 60,000-square- foot expansion project that will create 100 jobs at its operations in Red Wing.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is partnering with Capital Safety on the expansion, awarding the company $750,000 from the Minnesota Job Creation Fund. The company must meet job creation goals and other performance measures in order to receive the funding.

"This expansion will put 100 Minnesotans to work in good-paying jobs and build the momentum of our state's growing economy," said Governor Mark Dayton. "Since January 2011, Minnesota has added over 154,300 new jobs because businesses like Capital Safety have located or expanded here. I thank Capital Safety for its commitment to Minnesota."

The Minnesota Job Creation Fund, which was first proposed by Governor Dayton, will award $24 million in business incentives that were approved in the 2013 legislative session. Officials said the program is helping the state to compete for new jobs and businesses.

"Capital Safety provides a valuable service, making harnesses and other equipment that protect construction workers and those who work on tall structures," said DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben. "This is an investment in a company that is growing and has committed to creating good-paying jobs in Red Wing."

"Capital Safety's expansion of our Red Wing facility and the additional jobs are necessary to support our continued growth," said Kevin Coplan, Capital Safety President - North America. "We're grateful for the support from DEED as well as Goodhue County, the city of Red Wing and the Red Wing Port Authority, which helped ensure that this expansion takes place in Red Wing, Minnesota."

The company began its U.S. operations as DB Industries in Red Wing in 1973. The company moved its headquarters from Europe to Bloomington, Minn., last year, near its primary global manufacturing facility in Red Wing, where about 500 of the company's 1,500 employees are based.

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.

Since the Job Creation Fund was launched in January, DEED has awarded more than $9.5 million in funding to 14 companies in Minnesota. Those companies have committed to creating 1,100 new jobs and investing nearly $163.7 million to expand.

About Capital Safety

Capital Safety, a world leading designer and manufacturer of height safety and fall protection equipment with 26 operating sites worldwide, is home of the DBI-SALA and PROTECTA brands. All of Capital Safety's products and services are backed by extensive training, knowledgeable technical assistance and professional customer service. For more information, contact Capital Safety at 800-328-6146, 651-388-8282 or visit them on the web at www.capitalsafety.com.