Valley Cartage Group Inc. opened its new headquarters and logistics center in Lake, Elmo, Minnesota, that is expected to bring 96 jobs to the region. The company moved its headquarters from Hudson, Wisconsin, to a 26,000-square-foot building in Lake Elmo’s Eagle Point Business Park. The firm plans to relocate 46 jobs from Wisconsin to its new facility and add 50 new jobs at the site.

“Our expansion to Lake Elmo is a significant milestone for Valley Cartage,” said CEO and President Todd Gilbert. “We are helping to re-shape our industry, and the Lake Elmo office will play a key role. Without the support of the governor, DEED and many local officials, this project would not have happened.”

The company will continue operations at its Hudson site and will maintain a presence at other facilities in La Crosse, Wis., Fargo, N.D., Duluth, Mankato and St. Cloud. The company has about 240 employees.

“Valley Cartage is a highly successful company that has been providing trucking services in the Midwest for nearly 80 years,” said Gov. Mark Dayton. “We are very pleased that Valley Cartage has chosen to bring its headquarters here to Minnesota and grateful for the jobs it will create in this community.”

As an incentive, DEED awarded Valley Cartage a forgivable loan from the Minnesota Investment Fund of $500,000, and the company may apply for training funds from DEED’s Minnesota Job Skills Partnership. In addition, a local property tax abatement and energy credits were also part of the economic development package, which is contingent on job and wage goals being met.

“We are thrilled to welcome Valley Cartage Group to Lake Elmo for their latest expansion,” added Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben. “This positive move will enable the company to strengthen its footprint in the Midwest and will add new, high-quality jobs in the region.”