Range Monument and Granite Works

Bruce Niemi considers himself lucky to operating a successful business on Minnesota’s Iron Range.  Niemi, who as a young man worked at Range Monument, eventually bought the Virginia, Minnesota business.  With assistance from Iron Range Resources and the City of Virginia, Niemi expanded the monument business into the production of granite countertops.

A 16-foot by 24-foot garage area that Niemi for several years utilized to manufacture countertops was replaced with a new 5,000 square-foot production building. A bank participation loan helped Niemi buy a gangue saw, edge polisher and a wizard, which cuts openings for under mount sinks.

Custom fit granite countertops manufactured at the facility are “jewelry for the home,” says Niemi.

“It’s now a year-round business, where it was once seasonal,” said Niemi. “I feel very fortunate to be able to do this. It’s a nice place to live and do business.”

Range Monument & Granite Works built their new manufacturing facility and acquired state-of-the-art production equipment with help from an Iron Range Resources bank participation loan.