ST. PAUL, MN –  Senator Rob Farnsworth (R-Hibbing) released the following statement on the decision of Huber Engineered Woods to pull out of the plans to operate a plant in Cohasset, MN: 

“I’m very frustrated to hear that Huber Engineered Woods has been driven out of our state due to the anti-business climate. Local, regional, and state leaders have all supported this project, but clearly, we have more work to do to keep good-paying jobs in the Northland.  

"It’s irritating, but maybe not surprising, as we continue to see administrative hurdles and delays have just become part of the standard process of starting a new business. Whether it's a federal mining ban or a local lawsuit, we are not a state that is welcoming or supportive of the jobs that we need to keep our economy going.  

“I urge leaders at all levels to continue to work together to attract and retain more employers to our area, rather than obstruct and litigate all their efforts.”  

Huber announced their plans in 2021 for the state’s first Oriented Strand Board plant in decades. The project received $25 million in state funding and $15 million from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board. It’s estimated to hire up to 400 construction workers to build the plant.