In the area since the 1950s and at its present location since 1972, Harry Karsten acquired the modular business in 2012, and it once employed 100 people including skilled electricians, plumbers and carpenters. Karsten was focusing on multifamily housing for the oil boom areas of North Dakota, but when oil prices dropped and demand for the housing declined, he chose to cease operations.
Now, Twin Cities Development (TCD) is working with him, several other stakeholders and an investor to try and keep the plant open. In a news release TCD Director Rawnda Pierce says negotiations are continuing to restart production next month, but it may take longer. “Currently, there is a lot of interest in Colorado for the Magnolia Homes modular product. There are orders ready to be filled once production begins again.” ##
(Photo credit: geringcitizen/Jerry Purvis-Magnolia Homes)
