These Minnesota companies are growing in spite of the weak economy:
Akkerman Inc., Brownsdale: hired four workers this year and plans to add at least two more
Sportech, Elk River: hired 40 workers and plans to add 10 more
Ideal Aerosmith, East Grand Forks: hired five workers and expects to hire six more
Douglas Machine, Alexandria: hired 30 workers and plans to hire a few more engineers next year
Central Container, Brooklyn Park: hired nine people this year and may add two next year