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Minnesota

Minnesota

From software development, injection moulding and iron mining to auto glass repair and replacement, drug delivery systems, insurance, investment, and much more, British-owned firms are thriving in Minnesota. In fact, the UK is Minnesota’s second largest source of foreign direct investment. More than 100 British firms have affiliates in Minnesota.

Combined, they boast a gross value of $1.2bn and employ about 18,500 workers. Major firms include Cannon Equipment Company (IMI PLC), Deltec (Smiths Industries PLC), First Student (First Group), IMI Cornelius (IMI PLC), Pearson NCS (Pearson PLC), and Syntegra (BT). In addition, the UK retains an honorary consul in Minnesota, and the British American Business Council has an active chapter here as well.

Business-friendly climate

During the 1990s, government-imposed business costs were at their lowest level in more than a decade, with significant reductions in workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance costs, and a deep cut in commercial property taxes. Currently, businesses are reaping the benefits of taxfree development by locating or expanding in one of Minnesota’s 10 Job Opportunity Building Zones.

Proven performance

Minnesota consistently receives top grades for economic performance, development capacity and business vitality from the Corporation for Enterprise Development. And Expansion Management magazine ranks the Twin Cities region as the second-best metropolitan area in the US for locating a company.

Renowned work ethic

Minnesota is known for its productive, motivated workforce and low absenteeism. It ranks as the nation’s “hardest-working” state, with the highest labour force participation rate in the nation and three-quarters of working-aged people in the labour force.

Fertile ground for innovation

The Milken Institute ranks Minnesota eighth nationwide in the State Technology and Science Index, based on research and development inputs, risk capital and infrastructure, technology and science workforce. Minnesota ranks 15th in high technology employment, and 13th among the most competitive knowledge regions in the world, based on indicators like the number of patents, number of managers as a percentage of total population, and per capita spending on education. In patents per capita, Minnesota ranks among the top five states with 47 new patents registered per 100,000 residents in 2005.

Foundations of commerce

Expansion Management ranks the Twin Cities first among the “Top 15 Logistics Cities in the Midwest”, based on logistics-supporting infrastructure and welltrained workers in transportation industries.


A most livable state

Minnesota’s cultural attractions, outdoors recreation and scenic landscapes, along with affordable housing, safe streets, and strong education system, helped propel the state – for the past 11 years – to the top of Morgan Quitno’s “Most Livable State” rankings. The 2005 Kids Count Data Book ranks Minnesota the third best state in the country. Minnesota ranks fourth in the nation in home ownership and 10th in per capita income.

Economic conditions may change, but the stature, stamina, and leadership of Minnesota remains constant. With all these advantages, it’s no wonder that so many of the world’s most recognised companies call Minnesota home. Many UK affiliates are among them. But there is room for more in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 opportunities.

For more information, visit: www.deed.state.mn.us

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