Vorbeck Materials Holds Grand Opening of New Facility in Grand Forks

The manufacturing company believes positioning themselves in Grand Forks gives them the greatest opportunity to have maximum impact with their products.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) – Elected officials, first responders, and many more gathered in Grand Forks on May 6 for the grand opening of a new manufacturing facility.

Those leaders say that facility will have a massive, positive ripple effect on the entire local community.

The facility belongs to Vorbeck Materials, which was founded in Maryland, but decided to relocate.

“North Dakota and Grand Forks in particular became the ideal spot for us,” said John Lettow, President and CEO of Vorbeck.

That’s where they’ll now manufacture their graphene-based materials.

The belief is this will benefit first responders, Grand Forks’ huge drone economy, and UND students looking for research opportunities and career advancement.

Senator John Hoeven was on hand for the grand opening of the facility, and he spoke about his hopes for the economic growth it could provide.

“You’re in on the ground floor,” he said. “You can be part of these companies and part of developing these technologies and these jobs of the future.”

Meanwhile, local officials and Vorbeck representatives extolled the strength of their ongoing partnership.

“If you do need anything, the city of Grand Forks, the community of Grand Forks is here to help you and make you successful,” said Brandon Bochenski, mayor of Grand Forks.

“Because that’s what winners do, and in Grand Forks, we win.”

One of the primary benefits of Vorbeck’s firefighting foam is that it is free of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.”