Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Bob Kelleher
Duluth, Minn.

Duluth airplane parts company hiring back laid-off workers

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

While manufacturing companies around the country are slashing workforces, a Duluth airplane parts maker is rehiring.

Northstar Aerospace produces precision metal parts, primarily for Duluth airplane manufacturer Cirrus Design. When Cirrus cut production last fall, Northstar soon followed -- eventually laying off all but a handful of 115 workers.

Now, Cirrus is slowly ramping up production, and Northstar President and CEO John Eagleton says his company is doing the same. Eagelton says Northstar has also tapped into a new customer base, making parts for wind generation manufacturers.

"We're fortunate to be able to have several new customers that we're making, in some cases, pieces and parts for, and others we're making complete units," he said.

Northstar has brought back 20 workers in the past few weeks -- about 30 percent of its workforce. Eagleton says he expects more rehiring in the coming months.