Philips expands in Minnesota, adding jobs and training center
- Philips is investing $31 million in its Plymouth, Minnesota facility to enhance manufacturing capacity.
- The expansion will create 158 new jobs, increasing the local workforce by over 50%.
- This initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalize U.S. manufacturing and strengthen Minnesota as a biotech innovation hub.
In a significant move to bolster its manufacturing capabilities in the United States, Philips, a company based in the Netherlands, is expanding its operations in Minnesota. This announcement was made by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz during a news conference at the company's Plymouth site on a Thursday in early April 2025. The expansion is part of a state-supported initiative that aims to enhance local job opportunities and economic growth. The project will see the addition of a medical technology training center and aims to attract around 2,000 visitors each year, which underscores its potential to influence the local healthcare sector significantly. Governor Walz highlighted the importance of this project, stating that it aligns with the ongoing movement to bring manufacturing back to the United States. He praised the collaboration between state officials and Philips as a vital step toward revitalizing the local economy and strengthening Minnesota's position as a hub for biotechnology innovation. Not only will the expansion create over 150 new jobs, but it also represents a commitment from Philips to enhance its contributions to the community and foster skills development in medical technology. The total investment for this expansion amounts to $31 million, which includes substantial financial support from the state, specifically $3.5 million drawn from both the Job Creation Fund and the Minnesota Investment Fund. This funding will facilitate the construction of the training center and the required facilities to accommodate the increased manufacturing capacity. In the context of recent announcements, including several other business expansions in the state, this initiative is expected to generate a total of 750 new jobs across these projects, showcasing Minnesota's growing appeal to industries in the biotech sector. The expected average salary for the new jobs is projected to exceed $100,000, indicating a focus on creating high-skill jobs that can contribute to the region’s economic development. Furthermore, the expansion of Philips represents both a local and national trend towards enhancing advanced manufacturing capabilities in the U.S., particularly in high-tech fields such as medical technology. This move not only contributes to immediate job growth but also reinforces the state's long-term goals regarding the cultivation of a skilled workforce and fostering innovation in biotechnology.