The City of Becker this week announced its expanded business park has received a “Certified Site” designation by BNSF Railway.  

With this certification, businesses that are looking to locate or expand in the region, can remove six to nine months of construction time.  This speed to market is due to the already completed pre-construction site analysis, including evaluation of environmental and geotechnical standards, available utilities, site availability and existing and projected rail and road infrastructure, among others. 

The Becker Business Park will serve the surrounding area and the Twin Cities market, and is one of the few remaining near-metro locations available for heavy industrial use and large-scale railroad loading and unloading. Becker is the first community to be certified in Minnesota.   

 With rail access on BNSF Railway’s northern transcon, the Business Park has 67 acres of property for development, and is next to Hwy. 10 and close proximity to I-94 for truck access. 

“The business park is the catalyst for our future in Becker,” said Mayor Tracy Bertram. “We’re preparing for the changes not only for our existing businesses but we have been preparing for what new businesses need to conduct their business. We are planning for the future and hope you will come to Becker to expand your reach in central Minnesota, the Twin Cities, and beyond,” 

Northern Metal Recycling’s new state-of-the-art metal shredding facility with planned unit train service is currently under construction in Becker. Scott Helberg, COO of Northern Metals Recycling commends Becker. 

“Becker attracted us because of the availability of land to be able to build a sustainable business that has highway access with Interstate 94 and Hwy. 10 being close together,” he said. “Becker is a great location to get to and from any direction. The business park has BNSF rail service to connect your business to anywhere in the world. Northern Metal Recycling found that the City of Becker was very engaged in understanding the needs of our business. The City of Becker is outstanding to work with and very supportive on helping find the perfect location to build/relocate your business.”

Liberty Paper executives agree.

“Building the Liberty Paper, Inc. (LPI) mill in Becker is one the best decisions we’ve ever made,” General Manager Chuck Legattof LPI said. “Becker blends the best of small-town living with the local support and infrastructure you need to operate a successful company.  Our employees are invested in our business and our community. At LPI, we are proud to call Becker our hometown.”