Due to the popularity of its proprietary t.fusion™ powder coated wood finish, BTD Wood Powder Coating continues to experience substantial growth. With all operations in Brainerd, Minnesota, the firm remains firmly committed to keeping all production in the United States. This commitment, combined with company growth and investments in both talent and technology, has resulted in a positive community impact that remains a core focus going forward.
BTD Wood Powder Coating is firmly committed to production in the United States and to maintaining a positive impact on its community; several recent hires are evidence and represent BTD’s continued investment in talent and focus on quality.
Brainerd, Minnesota is in the lake country of central Minnesota and is a mecca for hunters, fishermen, and vacationers. Located 125 miles northwest of Minneapolis, Brainerd has a population of approximately 14,000 and has been hit particularly hard in the recent recession. According to the Brainerd Dispatch, most large cities in Minnesota currently have unemployment rates in the 4-6% range, but Brainerd has hovered stubbornly in the 10% range.
“We are keenly aware of Brainerd’s economic situation, which is why we are happy to be continually adding to our workforce. It is gratifying to create advancement opportunities for existing employees and new opportunities for our recent hires,” said Craig Fast, Vice President of Operations. As of September 2012, Brainerd’s unemployment rate dropped below 10% for three straight months, the first time since 2007. “We know we play a role in creating jobs in Brainerd, and we are confident we will continue to do so”, continued Fast.
This month, BTD added a Second Shift Lead, an additional Quality Inspector, and a Second Shift Sprayer. Craig Fast elaborates on the hiring decisions: “We are constantly focusing on pushing the envelope for looks and quality of our powder coated MDF finish. Leads and quality inspectors are a key piece of the quality puzzle and ensure we have a consistent, beautiful, and durable finish. We are frequently bolstering our staffing in these areas.”
BTD’s leadership is convinced that keeping manufacturing in the United States is part of the company’s competitive advantage. “First of all, talented and hardworking employees are all around us. Secondly, being physically close to our customers allows us to respond nimbly with shorter lead times, shorter prototyping, and less expensive freight. Finally, and no less importantly, we are proud to help create jobs in our state and our country,” said Craig Martin, President of BTD. “Whether it is banking locally, acquiring raw materials, or shipping finished products, the economic impact snowballs beyond just our business.”
BTD Wood Powder Coating, Inc. is a full service wood powder coating company based in Brainerd, MN. The company specializes in interior furnishings for such industries as office and healthcare furniture, point of purchase displays, and many other applications requiring a durable and high quality finish. BTD manufactures all of its products at its advanced factory in Brainerd, and recently received an FSC® Chain of Custody certification (FSC-C126714).
