The Albert Lea Economic Development Agency and Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services partnered together to help Pro Manufacturing Inc. fill the financial gap to purchase new powder-coating equipment. Pro Manufacturing began its project by adding on to its existing building to provide room for the equipment and the new process.

The business expansion will initially add four to six jobs with more to follow. Dan and Kathy DeBoer started their trucking business in 1983 and their manufacturing business in 1996, and have grown the operation from a handful of employees to more than 80. Pro Manufacturing is a commercial member of Freeborn-Mower.

ALEDA and Freeborn-Mower worked with the DeBoers’ primary lender, Farmers State Bank, with the common goal of helping the local entrepreneurs take their business to the next level.

The city of Albert Lea also helped by approving tax-increment financing district for the expansion.

“The whole process has been such a positive experience for us,” Dan said. “These organizations working together have made our expansion move forward quickly and smoothly.”

Both ALEDA and Freeborn-Mower have various loan programs available to help local businesses fill the funding shortfall between their bank and personal funds.

ALEDA can be reached at 373-3930, and Freeborn-Mower can be reached at 373-6421.