ST. CLOUD -- A St. Cloud foundry has the green light to expand its operations after securing the proper permits and working with other agencies to move the project forward.

Grede Holdings LLC broke ground Wednesday on a 32,000 square-foot expansion to their current facility at 5200 Foundry Circle.

Grede worked with the city of St. Cloud and Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation to secure the proper pollution control permits. They are also working with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development on training and economic assistance.

The St. Cloud Grede plant specializes in melting down iron to be used in the automotive industry.

Along with the expansion, Grede will add another melt furnace which is also expected to add up to 30 more jobs to the current staffing level of 330.

The cost of the project is estimated at more than $17,500,000 and is expected to be operational in the fall of this year.

More From AM 1240 WJON