STAND OFF, AB — A Texas-based manufacturing company has decided to set up shop on the Blood Reserve, creating about 50 jobs in the process.
Morgan USA, a firm that constructs portable and modular buildings, spas and outdoor swimming pools, is scheduled to begin production in the former Kainai Industries building in Stand Off on April 1. A signing ceremony was held Thursday to formalize the agreement and five-year contract.
“We’re very excited for this growth. It brings hope to our people,†said Blood Tribe Chief Charles Weasel Head. “I think the sky is the limit with this opportunity. I’m sure we’re going to expand in more ways than one,†he added. According to Hicks Morgan, secretary treasurer of Morgan USA, one of the things that attracted his company to Stand Off was the building itself. The Kainai Industries building opened in 1970 as a house-manufacturing plant and Weasel Head himself worked there from its opening until 1975. The plant closed in 1988, but the building’s offices remained in use. More than $1 million was spent retrofitting the factory to meet the requirements of the manufacturing company. “I think the building itself is very suitable and able to expand,†said Morgan, explaining if the plant succeeds as well as he hopes, it could employ up to 200 people in a few years. Morgan was also impressed by the solid backing he received from the town and surrounding area.
By Jeff Wiebe
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