An expansion at Advantage Emblem & Screen Printing is scheduled for completion in April 2013. The company added 12,000 square feet to its Hermantown facility.

“Our company’s size increased more than 30 percent,” owner Nathan Bentley said in a news release. “We created three new, full-time jobs directly tied to Advantage Emblem’s expansion. This growth in size and staff will bring us from an $8 million per year company to a company selling $10 million per year.”

The expansion houses the company’s embroidery and banner making departments. Warehouse space also increased. Finally, the added space allowed Advantage Emblem to redesign its shipping and receiving process, including the installation of a second loading dock.

The expansion’s centerpiece is a new Seit SL4 Laser Bridge cutting and embroidery machine. The Laser Bridge is one of only 22 in the United States.

“The Laser Bridge is a major step,” Bentley said. “Advantage Emblem is doing the most precise custom embroidery possible at this time. Our embroidery employees will be even more productive and our designers can create more intricate and delicate designs.”

Local companies were responsible for much of the work. Republic Bank financed the project and plans were provided by Duluth’s Krech Ojard & Associates. J.R. Jensen of Superior served as general contractor. Ulland Brothers was responsible for site preparation and paving.

• Value of mining challenged, defended - 6/19/2013
• Minnesota Power to fully restore flood-damaged hydro system - 6/19/2013
• Twin Metals sets open house to celebrate building completion - 6/18/2013
• U.S.-flag vessels have strong month - 6/17/2013
• Ascena reports higher sales, lower net - 6/17/2013