Cedar Rapids-based Van Meter Inc. has proudly announced its new role as the officially authorized Rockwell Automation distributor for the greater Duluth-Twin Ports area in Minnesota. This significant expansion, effective November 11, 2024, encompasses a wide geographical range, including northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, highlighting the company’s growth trajectory and commitment to enhancing local industrial operations.
Globally, Van Meter holds the prestigious position of Rockwell Automation’s sixth largest distributor, a remarkable feat that underscores its longstanding industry presence. Having sold and supported Rockwell Automation solutions since the early 1930s, the company has established a robust reputation across Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, earning the trust of numerous local businesses.
“This investment is a natural expansion of our industrial automation territory,” said Lura McBride, president and CEO of Van Meter, in a news release. “We’re excited and confident in our ability to serve this new market effectively. We are committed to providing the necessary support, expertise, and inventory that area manufacturers require to innovate and seize today’s vital business opportunities.”
For Mielke Electric Works, a fourth-generation family-owned company established in 1912, the transition represents a significant opportunity to return to its foundational principles. “We are continuing our company’s 112 years of electric motor repair, services, and motor sales, which includes full-service conditioning and rewind capabilities for AC and DC motors and generators,” stated Gretchen Mielke, vice president of Mielke Electric Works, Inc. “With our facility’s impressive 50-ton lifting capacity, we can service motors and generators up to 10,000HP and beyond. Moving forward, our renewed focus will center on empowering our customers to achieve and sustain high-level productivity through our unwavering commitment to quality and excellence in electric motor repair and new motor sales. I have confidence in the Van Meter team’s ability to expand and serve the Rockwell market at a very high level as the new Authorized Rockwell Distributor in the territory.”
The Rockwell sales territory, now transitioning from Mielke to Van Meter, includes a significant expanse of Koochiching, St. Louis, Lake, Cook, Hubbard, Cass, Itasca, Crow Wing, Aitkin, Carlton, and Pine Counties in Minnesota, as well as Douglas County in Wisconsin, indicating a robust market reconfiguration.
Van Meter established a physical location at 4531 W 1st Street in Duluth, Minnesota, in 2020, strategically aimed at supporting its electrical contractor and solar installer business within the region.
“As we add an industrial automation offering to the market, we’ll move quickly to provide customers a smooth transition and exceptional service by assigning a strong team, bringing in market-specific inventory, and providing solid supply chain logistics,” remarked Mike Hermann, vice president of industrial sales at Van Meter, in the release. “We look forward to partnering with area manufacturers and system integrators on the important work they do every day.”
**Interview with Lura McBride, President and CEO of Van Meter Inc.**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Lura. Van Meter Inc. has recently announced its new role as the officially authorized Rockwell Automation distributor for the Duluth-Twin Ports area, effective November 11, 2024. Can you tell us what this expansion means for your company?
**Lura McBride:** Thank you for having me. This expansion is a significant milestone for Van Meter. It not only allows us to broaden our reach into northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin but also reinforces our commitment to enhancing the local industrial landscape. We’ve always been dedicated to supporting manufacturers with innovative automation solutions, and this move will enable us to better serve that community.
**Editor:** It sounds like a strategic development for your organization. How long has Van Meter been involved with Rockwell Automation?
**Lura McBride:** Van Meter has been partnering with Rockwell Automation since the early 1930s. This long-standing relationship has been key to our success. Currently, we rank as Rockwell Automation’s sixth largest distributor globally. This demonstrates our deep expertise and reliability in delivering high-quality automation solutions to our clients.
**Editor:** That’s an impressive achievement. What specific support and expertise do you plan to offer to manufacturers in the new areas you’ll be serving?
**Lura McBride:** We aim to provide comprehensive support, which includes technical expertise, a wide selection of inventory, and training resources tailored to the specific needs of local manufacturers. Our team is committed to helping businesses innovate and take advantage of the vital opportunities present in today’s market.
**Editor:** Mielke Electric Works, another local company, has expressed excitement about this transition. Can you elaborate on what this partnership means for similar businesses in the area?
**Lura McBride:** Absolutely. Mielke Electric Works, with its rich history, represents a great example of the opportunities this partnership can foster. For local companies, this venture opens up access to advanced automation technologies and support that can help them return to their foundational principles while adapting to modern demands. We are eager to help them grow and succeed in their operations.
**Editor:** It’s clear that Van Meter is committed to making a positive impact. What are your expectations for the future in this expanded role?
**Lura McBride:** We are optimistic about the future. As we enter this new market, we expect to build strong relationships with local manufacturers and become a trusted partner in their growth journeys. Our goal is to be an invaluable resource, helping them to innovate, increase efficiency, and ultimately thrive in a competitive landscape.
**Editor:** Thank you, Lura, for sharing these insights. It sounds like an exciting time for Van Meter and the businesses in the Duluth-Twin Ports area.
**Lura McBride:** Thank you for having me! We’re looking forward to this new chapter and the opportunities it will bring.
