Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Steve Grove, commissioner, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, honored Uponor North America with the prestigious International Trade Award for Foreign Direct Investment in a special luncheon ceremony in Minneapolis.

The annual award recognizes companies that have shown exceptional progress and success in exports to foreign markets, as well as foreign-owned companies, like Uponor North America, that have made significant economic contributions through their investments in Minnesota.

“Each of the Governor’s International Trade Award winners represent more than business success – they represent making the world a better place,” said Gov. Walz.

“During the past 30 years, we increased our footprint in Apple Valley by 680%, expanding 10 times to more than 246,000 square feet of space in five buildings,” said Bill Gray, president of Uponor North America. “Through further expansion, Uponor opened facilities in Lakeville and Hutchinson. Currently, in North America, we employ over 850 people and occupy just shy of 1 million square feet in Minnesota alone.”

Through the partnership with the State of Minnesota and, in particular, the Department of Employment and Economic Development, Uponor has received over $1.3 million to increase its footprint and create jobs.

“Our target for job creation from these investments was 231 new employees, but through the investments, we were able to create 395 jobs,” said Gray, who also noted that Uponor North America is now Apple Valley’s largest employer.