BRISTOL, Va. — Strongwell (USA), the recognized leader in the manufacture of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites using the pultrusion process, is excited to announce that its Chatfield, Minnesota, location was recently named one of the Best Places to Work in Southeast Minnesota for 2025 in the large businesses category. The honor comes as part of a competitive program coordinated by Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI), which has celebrated top regional employers for the past 15 years.
The award places Strongwell among the leading employers in the region, following an extensive workplace survey conducted by Personnel Dynamics Consulting Group. The survey assessed 40 key indicators across categories such as employee turnover, benefits, training, promotions, workplace culture, and more.
“This recognition affirms what we’ve known all along about being a team member at Strongwell – people matter, growth is encouraged, and success is shared,” said Wendy Kohler, the manager of human resources at the Chatfield facility. “It’s not just about producing high quality products; it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, have an opportunity to contribute, and can grow in their careers.”
Strongwell’s Chatfield facility employs over 130 team members and specializes in the manufacturing of pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) products, including FRP grating, handrail and a variety of custom and OEM products like tool handles. With an average tenure of nearly ten years, team members tend to build long-term careers at Strongwell.
The award was presented to Strongwell and other winning companies during the 2025 Workforce Development Forum on April 3, an event which featured insights from other leading regional employers and keynote speakers focused on workforce strategies and retention. “We’re honored by this award, but more importantly, we’re energized to keep improving,” added Josh Maggert, vice president of Minnesota and Mexico operations. “Our people are our most important resource, and this recognition belongs to them.”
For more information about Strongwell, visit https://www.strongwell.com.
Headquartered in Bristol, Virginia, Strongwell is the world’s leading pultruder of fiber reinforced polymer composites. The company has pultrusion manufacturing facilities in Bristol, Virginia; Abingdon, Virginia; Chatfield, Minnesota; and Apodaca, Mexico. Strongwell is a financially strong, privately held company, producing products including structural shapes, grating, handrail, structural building panels, decking systems, composite armor, ladder rail, and many OEM products for its diverse customer base.
