MTD Acquisition Inc., the Chisholm, Minn.-based manufacturer behind Minnesota Twist Drill and Triumph Twist Drill, has filed notice of its intent to permanently close operations in Chisholm and Hibbing, eliminating approximately 77 jobs.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development confirmed Thursday it received the company’s WARN notice. DEED’s State Rapid Response Team is now coordinating transition support for affected workers.
Founded in 1952, MTD has operated on the Iron Range for more than seven decades, producing drill bits and cutting tools for industrial, commercial and consumer markets. The company was acquired in 2021 by Walter Surface Technologies, a metalworking firm headquartered in Windsor, Conn., with operations in seven countries.
The closure will unfold in phases. Thirty-two Chisholm employees face separation by June 14, with additional layoffs and site closures beginning June 26. All activities are expected to conclude by Aug. 13.
None of the affected employees are union-represented. The 77 positions — 73 hourly and four salaried — span manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, warehouse, packaging, procurement, shipping and administrative roles.
Positions impacted include cell operators, engineers, inspectors, machine shop janitors, maintenance workers, operations and warehouse managers, packaging coordinators, procurement specialists, shippers, team leaders and training managers, among others.
Employers with openings for these skilled workers, or anyone with questions about the closure, can contact DEED State Rapid Response Team Sr. Specialists Marla Beaty at 218-259-1380 or John Mohs at 651-259-7535.
(Source here.)