Dec. 23 - DEED Funds Training Program for Stratasys Employees

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has awarded a $204,000 grant to support lean training for 345 employees at Eden Prairie-based Stratasys. The funding was awarded under the agency’s Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP).

Stratasys makes modeling technology that allows users to create three-dimensional prototypes of parts and products on a computer screen. Those computer prototypes are then used as a blueprint by designers and engineers to create physical models that can be brought to market. Cars, electronics and tools are among the products that can be designed using Stratasys technology.

“There are opportunities for this growing company to enter strategic markets within the aerospace, defense and medical device industries, but the supplier requirements are rigid,” said Dan McElroy, DEED commissioner and MJSP board chair. “This grant helps Stratasys to get the full benefit of quality management services, realize sales growth, enhance product marketing and improve employee motivation.”

Two Minneapolis-based consulting and training firms, Enterprise Minnesota and AQS Management Systems, will develop customized classes for Stratasys. AQS will train three business specialists from Enterprise Minnesota to teach employees about project management, process mapping, work flow and other areas related to creating workplace efficiencies. A facilitator’s guidebook will be developed for future training.

For more information on the grant, contact Deb Shirk, director of grants and contracts, Enterprise Minnesota, at 612-455-4217 or 
Deb.Shirk@EnterpriseMinnesota.org.

MJSP offers technical, financial and job training assistance to businesses, communities, colleges and workers. The board brings businesses with specific education needs together with educational institutions to design customized training programs.

DEED is the state's principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and our services, visit us at www.PositivelyMinnesota.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PositivelyMN.

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