Iron Range Plant Lays Off Nearly 100 Workers Due To Unforseen Circumstances

It's a tough day in Mountain Iron, as nearly 100 employees were laid off at a newly expanded plant. Boom or Bust isn't anything new for the Iron Range. Fluctuations in steel prices and demand often lead to plant shutdowns, idling, or closing. But this time, the closures have nothing to do with iron mining. This round of layoffs is affecting a solar panel company.

Heiline Solar Plant Announces Layoffs At Mountain Iron Facility

Heliene is a Canadian Solar Panel company that manufactures high-quality solar photovoltaic modules. Their headquarters are in Canada, but their manufacturing facilities are in Minnesota. One plant is in Mountain Iron, and the other is located in Rogers, Minnesota.

The Mountain Iron facility is laying off nearly 100 workers, according to BringMeTheNews. 

Notice Given To Minnesota Department of Commerce

In their required WARN notice to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, they announced the layoffs were due to unforeseen business circumstances. They call the decision to reduce operations difficult, and acknowledge that it raises "concern and uncertainty among our employees."

The layoffs will be permanent, and the plant will continue operating in a reduced capacity that will align with customer demand.

Positions Affected By Layoffs

The notice lists the positions cut, with individuals' names redacted.

Quality Inspectors, Quality Technician, HR Assistant, H&S Coordinator, Reliability Engineer, Quality Engineer, Production Line Team Lead, Stringer Team Lead, Float/Reilief Operator, Maintenance Technician 1, Framer Operator, Quality Operator, Material Handling Operator, Repair Operator, Stringer Operator 1, and Line Operator are the positions removed.

Read More: Take A Look Inside Minntac - Minnesota's Largest Iron Mine

Heliene informed affected employees on August 5th, but will continue to pay them through October 4, 2026.

On a personal note, it's disappointing to see a new type of industry struggle on the Iron Range. Good-paying jobs aren't abundant, and when a new industry expands and brings jobs to the region, there comes a lot of hope with it. The Iron Range is such a beautiful place, and so many more people would be able to enjoy it if they could make a decent living.