Imation to leave North Dakota plant by year's end

"There has been a 30-year legacy left by 3M and Imation," Albrecht said. "We're trying to preserve that as best we can -that's our mission -but our first objective is to make money to stay around."

Albrecht said most of the work being done for Imation involves making plastic and metal parts for electronic tape cartridges.

He said ComDel should have Imation contracts over the next several years, until the technology becomes obsolete, as was the case with floppy disks.

"As Imation products mature, we are going to have to bring in new products behind them to grow," Albrecht said.

ComDel is seeking new markets for precision machining, injection molding, metal stamping and tool making, Albrecht said.

Imation has received millions of dollars in local, state and federal grants and guaranteed loans to expand its Wahpeton plant.

Albrecht said no public money has gone into ComDel, though the company is seeking $400,000 in federal grants and loans to expand the business.

Priebe, the city's economic development director, said some former Imation employees have found jobs at a new ethanol plant in Hankinson.

"We've had some that have moved and found employment outside of the immediate region, and some are staying here but I don't know the net loss result," Priebe said. "We're doing everything we can to replace those good-paying Imation jobs."