WINNEBAGO - It's Manufacturing Week in Minnesota; a time when the state and communities recognize manufacturers for their economic contributions.

Representatives from four of Winnebago's manufacturers gathered at City Hall on Thursday morning to discuss how their businesses are faring and to receive recognition.

Winnebago manufacturers include Continental Carbonic, Minnesota Electric Technology, Crown Tonka, Corn Plus, Southern Minnesota Signs and Zierke Built Manufacturing.

Manufacturers' concerns last year centered on how they could find qualified, specialized employees. Then the economy took a dive. Surprisingly, the companies have all seen more demand for their products - to the point where employees are working overtime.

Sue Stauffer of Minnesota Electric Technology said the company is doing well. However, it may face an issue because the company needs a key part, and it takes up to six months to receive.

Matt Rynearson of Corn Plus said the ethanol plant is doing well, but has been dipping into its storage bins for the past month as corn isn't drying out in the fields.

"The corn dryer is our most expensive expense," he said.

Jim Teubner of Crown Tonka said walk-in cooler orders have been good.

"We're very solid," he said. "Our long-range schedule is good."

Continental Carbonic had similar news.

"We're doing really good," said Jim Wirkus. "We put an ad in the paper for a maintenance guy and other employees. It's been going good."

Discussion turned to health insurance complications

Stauffer said current insurance options mean the employee-paid portion will increase 50 percent. She said they will look into other options.

"We fight the same battle," Rynearson said. "But it's better than it used to be."

Discussion moved to insurance breaks for utilizing fitness centers. Crown Tonka took it one step further this year.

"One of the things we did at Crown this summer that was kind of fun was walking teams," Teubner said.

According to the state, nearly 24 percent of jobs in southwest Minnesota, including Martin and Faribault counties, are in manufacturing. In the metro area, only 13 percent are in manufacturing. Manufacturing represents the largest sector of the state's gross domestic product - at 17 percent.