Shetka Works of LeCenter, LLC, uses an innovative manufacturing process for converting waste pulp, paper and fiber products into high quality tabletops, counters and work surfaces. Shetka has purchased a vacant 24,000-sf building in LeCenter, and anticipates a total capital investment of about $3.4 million in the new company. Shetka expects the LeCenter facility will employ between 20 and 40 people in its first year of full production.

"Essentially we take paper and turn it back into wood," says Stan Shetka, who invented the manufacturing process used by his new company. He says his process is cleaner, uses no chemicals, and results in a product that's "easier to work with than wood."

Electronic Assembly Specialists, Inc., is a contract manufacturer of electronic circuit boards that specializes in low-cost printed circuit board assembly and testing. It's a new company, founded by Jan Berghoff, who has successfully created and expanded similar electronics companies in the Twin Cities.