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Baraga County Chamber Joins SBA in Showcasing Local Manufacturers

BARAGA COUNTY, Mich. - As part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Upper Peninsula Community Tour, SBA representatives, the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce and students enrolled in the Copper Country Intermediate School District Career and Technical Education Business/Entrepreneurship course visited Massie Manufacturing. The students represent the L’Anse and Baraga school districts and the Calumet homeschool district and earn dual credit through Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) and Copper Country ISD. Following the Massie Manufacturing visit, SBA representatives and Chamber staff continued on to Peninsula Powder Coating. The visits provided participants with a firsthand look at local manufacturing operations and workforce opportunities, while business leaders shared insights into the factors contributing to the success of their companies.

At Massie Manufacturing, owner Karl Niemela provided an overview of the company’s operations, including metal fabrication and computer numerical control (CNC) machining. He explained how raw materials are transformed into precision components used by customers both locally and across the United States. Niemela credited the company’s success to several factors, including reduced overhead from lower rural property costs, dedicated employees, and a workforce known for its strong work ethic and integrity. While operating in a rural location presents challenges due to the distance from major population centers, he said these strengths have helped the company remain competitive.

Massie Manufacturing employs experienced welders and CNC operators while also providing opportunities for individuals without prior manufacturing experience. The company is willing to train general laborers, offering employees a pathway to develop valuable skilled-trade careers.

Following the visit to Massie Manufacturing, SBA representatives and Chamber staff toured Peninsula Powder Coating, where Bill Raymond showcased the company’s operations, including some of the largest finishing ovens in the Midwest. Visitors learned about the finishing process, including sandblasting, surface preparation, powder application, and heat curing, which provides a durable and attractive finish for industrial and commercial products.

Following the PPC tour, Brian Baccus answered questions from participants and discussed the company’s operations. Peninsula Powder Coating serves customers throughout the region and across the United States. A key to the company’s success is its quick turnaround time, with finished products often delivered to Wisconsin within five to six hours using the company’s own fleet of delivery trucks.

Baccus noted that rising energy costs remain one of the company’s biggest operational challenges. Like Massie Manufacturing, Peninsula Powder Coating is committed to workforce development and is willing to train entry-level employees, providing a first step into the manufacturing industry for those interested in building a career in skilled trades.

“This was a valuable experience for our students, allowing them to see modern manufacturing in action while learning about career opportunities and the qualities that contribute to business success in our region,” said Rhonda Nachtigall, instructor for the Copper Country ISD CTE Business/Entrepreneurship course.

The visits underscored the important role manufacturing plays in Baraga County’s economy and showcased the resilience, adaptability, and skilled workforce that help local companies compete in regional and national

markets.