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State Representative John Persell
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5516
For more information contact: Charlene Briner 651-296-5809
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PERSELL AND SAILER LEAD EFFORTS TO BRING NEW BUSINESS TO CLOSED AINSWORTH PLANT
St. Paul, MN – Legislation proposed by State Rep. John Persell (DFL-Bemidji) and Rep. Brita Sailer (DFL-Park Rapids) has led to an agreement with Ainsworth that could help the city of Bemidji find another user for the closed Ainsworth OSB plant.
As a result of the unprecedented downturn in the U.S. housing construction market, Ainsworth closed their three plants in Grand Rapids, Cook and Bemidji. In response, Rep. Persell co-authored legislation that would require Ainsworth to maintain the facilities in a saleable condition for at least two years, making it easier to establish another business at that location.
Because of the legislation, Ainsworth has made a commitment to maintain, help determine alternative uses and enhance the marketing of the closed Ainsworth OSB facilities, including the one in Bemidji.
“An empty building that has been stripped of its assets is a difficult business to sell," said Persell. “We need to make every effort possible to find another use for this facility and replace the badly needed jobs in our region.”
According to the new agreement, Ainsworth will provide $150,000 to be split among the three sites for the purpose of determining feasible alternative uses for the facilities. After this feasibility study, Ainsworth has agreed to work with the State of Minnesota, the IRRB and legislators to enhance the solicitation of buyers for the three sites.
“The Ainsworth plant in one of the region’s largest employers,” said Rep. Sailer. “In this economic environment, when it comes to creating and keeping jobs, we’ll leave no log unturned.”
“I appreciate these good-faith efforts by Ainsworth in helping to secure new ownership for this facility,” said Persell. “This recession will end, and when it does, it would be good to have a site such as this ready to go.”
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