Northern Excellence

Though the in-plant is small—its budget is less than $1 million—it is not entirely behind the times. It uses automated labeling and ink-jet equipment to mail out the newsletters it prints, and it is currently on the lookout for a color scanner.

Talk of deregulation in the power industry has got Puppe watching his costs to make sure his operation is saving money for the company, not draining it. So far, though, the company is pleased with what he and his coworkers have done to enhance Minnkota Power's image with spectacular color pieces.