Industry in Mankato

Mankato has continued its strong tradition of farming while introducing new industrial and commercial businesses into its ever growing populations center. There were several companies who enjoyed national attention including Mico, Kato Engineering Company, and The Mankato Paper Box Company.

Mico

Mico was organized before World War II to manufacture parts for military equipment. Mico's main product was its two-stage power brake cylinder. After the War, Mico consolidated with Minnesota Automotive. The company built a new plant in North Mankato in 1982 which employs several hundred people. By 1989, Mico was designing and manufacturing hydraulic brake systems for cars and trucks and self-propelled industrial equipment for several national companies including John Deere and Caterpillar Tractor Company.

Kato Engineering Company

This company was established by Louis A. Wilkinson and Elmer L. Jensen before World War II. They later sold the company to Cecil H. Jones. Jones switched the focus of the company from sales to manufacturing products of its own, chiefly the portable generator which brought the company national prominence. When World War II began, Kato engineering was swamped with orders for electric generators for field hospitals, navy vessels, army camps and other military operations. When Jones died in 1976, the company was sold to Reliance Electric Company of Chicago. Kato has since opened a larger plant, where employees make generators for both national and international markets. 

Mankato Paper Box Company

Begun as the Mankato Corporation in 1905, Mankato Paper Box Company originally made cardboard cartons and gift boxes. When E.W. Foster bought the company in 1914, he changed the name to the Mankato Paper Box Company and continued its line of products. The business later expanded to include the production of plastic containers, custom packaging, and custom formed displays. The company was sold in 1968 to Bemis Corporation. It now employs around 125 people.

These three companies are a sampling of the new kinds of companies that were springing up in Mankato between 1900 and 1950. Many were manufacturing plants that catered to national and international clients. Companies from outside the Mankato area also began establishing plants in the river valley, which employed many area citizens. It was a time of great economic growth!

Learn about Mankato's Oldest Businesses

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Source:

Lundin, Vernard E. At the Bend in the River. Windsor Publications, Inc. 1990.