Our History
Ability North Manufacturing (Ability North MFG), formerly known as ODC Stake & Lath, is a Minnesota-based contract manufacturing and value-added services provider with roots dating back to 1971. For more than five decades, we have supported manufacturers by delivering reliable, cost-effective production services that help reduce internal labor strain, increase capacity, and improve operational efficiency.
Ability North MFG is powered by Occupational Development Center (ODC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities. This structure allows us to deliver enterprise-level manufacturing services while also creating measurable social impact — a combination that many manufacturing partners view as a long-term strategic advantage.
Manufacturing Services Built to Support Your Operation
Ability North works best as an extension of your internal team, supporting overflow production, labor-intensive processes, and recurring manufacturing needs.
Custom Wood Products & Industrial Components
Powder Coating
Kitting & Packaging
Assembly & Sub-Assembly
Locations
Ability North Manufacturing operates two production facilities in Northern Minnesota, offering a combined 65,000 square feet of flexible manufacturing space.
Buhl, MN
- 40,000 sq ft of production space
- 5,000 sq ft of cold storage
- Primary hub for custom wood products, crates, pallets, manufacturing, assembly, and design
Bemidji, MN
- 25,000 sq ft facility
- Primary hub for powder coating, kitting, manufacturing, and assembly
Both locations support fast turnaround times with multiple shipping options, including flatbed freight, LTL carriers, and customer pickup.
Why Choose Ability North?
Manufacturing partners work with Ability North MFG for more than just capacity — they work with us for stability, flexibility, and long-term value.
Over 50 Years of Manufacturing Excellence: Serving manufacturers since 1971 with proven processes and consistency.
Cost-Saving Operational Extension: Reduce labor pressure, overtime, and capital investment by outsourcing targeted production work.
Made in the USA: All products and services are domestically produced with competitive pricing.
ISPM 15 Certified: We support international shipping requirements for wood packaging.
Social Impact Without Compromising Quality: Manufacturing excellence paired with meaningful employment outcomes.
Flexible Capacity: 65,000 sq ft of combined manufacturing space allows us to scale with your needs.
Frequently Asked
Questions
How do you ensure quality control
Do you provide the raw materials or do we have to source them?
What Value-Added services do you provide?
A Manufacturing Partner
Built for the Long Term
If you’re a small to mid-sized manufacturer in Minnesota or the Upper Midwest looking for a reliable outsourcing partner, Ability North Manufacturing is built to support your operation today and for years to come.
Contact our team to discuss your manufacturing needs, timelines, and long-term goals.