Alliance expands jobs at Exodus Machines

A global alliance between an industry giant in heavy equipment manufacturing is helping a Superior-based company grow.

Exodus Machines is expanding after forming an alliance with Caterpillar Inc. to manufacture and supply material handling machines for sale exclusively through the Caterpillar distribution network.

To meet manufacturing goals set forth in the alliance agreement, Exodus will expand operations in Superior, where the company manufactures material handling machines.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Exodus, our employees and the entire Duluth/Superior community,” Kevin Boreen, Exodus chief executive officer, said Tuesday. “We cannot think of a better company to partner with. Their global distribution and product support systems, through well-capitalized independent Cat dealers, are unmatched.”

Caterpillar, headquartered in Peoria, Ill., is a Fortune 100 company and the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.

Exodus Machines was founded three years ago by Bruce Bacon, co-founder of Genesis Attachments, and now president of the Exodus.

“It’s rewarding for our entire team to have Caterpillar, a premier heavy equipment manufacturer, acknowledge the value that the machines we developed bring to customers,” Bacon said. “And it’s exciting that our company will continue growing to serve an industry that we are passionate about.”

For the planned expansion, Exodus is actively working to secure working capital and capital funding, developing plant layouts, assessing building sites and anticipating employee needs.

“It’s another exciting event,” said Mayor Bruce Hagen, who last week joined officials from Kestrel Aircraft Co. and the state to announce the aircraft manufacturer is planning build its airplane in Superior, creating up to 600 jobs.

Exodus currently employs 55 people as welders, machinists, assemblers, engineers, operations, sales and office staff.

“We anticipate adding over 300 jobs over the next six to eight years on a controlled, steady pace,” Bacon said.

Over the next year, Exodus will continue to manufacture its own branded equipment for sale through the Caterpillar distribution network, but will eventually transition to manufacturing Cat-branded equipment through the Superior-based manufacturing facility.

“We’re very excited about it, said Superior Port and Planning Director Jason Serck.

“In this day and age of manufacturing jobs getting shipped overseas, it’s fulfilling to play a part in creating jobs here in the United States — here in the Twin Ports,” Boreen said.

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