BLAINE, MN—Ascential Technologies, a manufacturer of custom automation for medical device manufacturers, has opened a new 100,000-square-foot factory here.

The announcement comes on the heels of Minnesota’s designation as a federal “MedTech Hub” in October. “While [the new facility] is not a direct result of the recent MedTech designation, Ascential chose the region to expand its footprint specifically because the area attracts and enables the development of innovative medtech,” says Stacie Barth vice president of marketing at Ascential.

The Blaine facility will specialize in developing custom manufacturing machinery for medical and life science companies. The facility employs 150 people. 

“The opening of our world-class facility reaffirms our commitment to innovation, growth and community development. We enable businesses to repatriate manufacturing capabilities, leading to the creation of jobs, economic revitalization, and a resurgence of American manufacturing,” says Scott Watts, president of Ascential.