Minnesota firm shifts some operations to Wisconsin

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota manufacturing plant with repeated pollution violations says it has shifted some of its operations to a facility in Wisconsin.

Water Gremlin of White Bear Township makes fishing sinkers and battery terminals. Earlier his month, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ordered Water Gremlin to stop its battery coating process, due to violations.

Carl Dubois, vice president of international manufacturing, says in a statement to The Associated Press that the company shifted a limited amount of its battery terminal coating operations to Wisconsin and the MPCA was made aware on Aug. 6.

WCCO-TV reports that Water Gremlin is working with Hi-Tec Finishing in Hudson, Wisconsin. Hi-Tec received a permit for the work from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Dubois says the operations in Wisconsin comply with emission limits.

Earlier this year, Water Gremlin paid more than $7 million in fines for pollution violations.