Building partnerships to address the workforce shortage

Apr 12, 2022

Grow Minnesota! connects Minnesota businesses

The post-COVID economy has proven challenging for many Minnesota businesses. Supply chains disruptions, a workforce shortage and rising inflation create headwinds to growth. Minnesota Chamber member Trystar is no different. Trystar experienced increased demand for their products that resulted in challenges to find enough production assembly workers to meet the rapidly growing demand.

Trystar manufactures power distribution equipment, cable, generator docking stations and load banks. As demand for their products rose, Trystar found it more difficult to find production assembly workers at their newly renovated facility in Faribault. That’s when Trystar enlisted the services of the Chamber’s Grow Minnesota! program for help.

Grow Minnesota! staff worked with AJ Smith, Trystar CEO, to find a solution. Grow Minnesota! helped identify Minnesota businesses that might have staffing capacity and could also benefit from additional production hours. Ultimately, Grow Minnesota! staff connected LAMB Labor Services, Inc of Paynesville with Trystar. LAMB learned of the opportunity from the Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association, a Grow Minnesota! partner.

AJ Smith, CEO, Trystar

“Some really good progress has been made,” said AJ Smith. “Thanks again, Grow Minnesota!, for your help making these matches. This has been really positive for all involved.”

This Trystar-LAMB partnership resulted in multiple transactions and units produced, helping Trystar find success in keeping up with increased demand. Trystar thinks this could become a beneficial long-term relationship for both businesses.