Recent Business Expansions Announced

Don’t blink twice; if you did, you may have missed it.  Business in the City of Columbus is growing.  From recent new businesses announcing new projects in Columbus, to recently announced expansions to the area, our fair City is growing.  However, we are growing responsibly and following our long-term Comprehensive Plan. 

In recent months, the City’s City Council, Planning Commission and Economic Development Authority have been diligent in keeping our City’s long-term growth plan current and relevant in today’s “New Normal” business environment.  It’s fair to say that doing business anywhere in the US has been difficult this past year.   

What does this mean for the City?  In addition to several new jobs being created in the area, it also means much needed tax dollars to the community.   For instance; most recently Recreational Supply Corporation (RSC) recently   announced an expansion project to grow their company in Columbus.   The Company is an aluminum and steel trailer distributor over a 5-state area, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and North/South Dakota. The Company’s customers are mainly power sports dealers (boat, ATV, motorcycle, snowmobile retailers) and trailer only retail dealers. Our lines include open and enclosed utility trailers. RSC recently applied for received from the City an Interim Use Permit for an expansion addition to their current building.  This is primarily due to the growth of RSC business operations. The addition will increase the trailer assembly capacity and efficiency of the RSC facility. The building addition represents a footprint expansion of 45%, adding 3,360 square feet to the current building  footprint of 7,200.

Another great example of how the City is growing is the recent announcement of Ecofun Motorsports to move to the Columbus community.  Ecofun is currently located in Forest Lake and is excited to relocate their new location to Columbus. Ecofun sells recreational motor vehicles, including; scooters, mopeds, ATVs, snowmobiles, electric bicycles, side-by- sides and motorcycles. They have outgrown their existing space and look forward to serving both their existing client base as well as a new client base that will be drawn to this new facility in Columbus. The proposed new facility will be approximately 28,000 square feet and will include a vehicle showroom area, service area, and warehouse space.

Just remember, if you blink twice, be aware that business may be growing around you in the City of Columbus.  Afterall, we are a welcoming community and it’s good to see responsible growth.

 

Written by:

Bob Berens

Planning Commission – Commissioner

Economic Development Authority – Vice-President