On Friday, June 14, 2024, the Nobles Cooperative Electric board of directors convened to capture a ceremonial photograph, marking the beginning of construction at the Slayton facility. The renovation project aims to replace outdated office spaces with modern work areas and storage facilities crucial for supporting the cooperative's technological advancements and growth.

Nobles Cooperative Electric has a long history in our area. Thanks to a few progressive men who, in the year 1935, dared to dream of an electrified rural landscape in Nobles and Murray counties. They changed the pattern of life in our rural communities. The determined efforts of the farmers, the Nobles County Extension Service office, and the Slayton unit of the Farm Bureau led to the establishment of a system that became what is now known as Nobles Cooperative Electric. Nobles Cooperative Electric continues to be a proud member of the Nobles and Murray county communities and is looking forward to expanding on the basic principles of those who built the system almost 90 years ago.

Adam Tromblay, the CEO/General Manager of Nobles Cooperative Electric, highlighted that the Slayton site will serve as the primary office headquarters. Additionally, they will retain the warehouse facility near Worthington to ensure lineworkers are strategically located for efficient service to members. This office update underscores the dedication to investing in long-term strategies to meet member needs. The upgraded facility in Slayton intends to enhance public-staff interactions, prioritize data security, and offer ample space for member and employee gatherings.

“Change is always somewhat scary, but we are trying to build that bridge between the past and the future while we transform outdated structures and systems into opportunities for technology and growth. We are always looking for ways to update our efficiencies while keeping our system current and working well for the future,” says Tromblay.

“The relatively close proximity of the main facilities in Worthington and Slayton to our membership presents an excellent opportunity to continue to easily serve the members in Nobles and Murray County,” Tromblay expressed. “The new office space will align with the long-term energy efficiency strategy, focusing on improved coordination and communication as well as to be able to handle emergencies effectively for our region.”

The office expansion's design concept and architectural plans were crafted by architects and engineers from WiDSETH in Mankato, Minnesota.

The Nobles Cooperative Electric team is proud to have awarded bids to many Southern and Southwestern Minnesota contractors, including the following:

• B & H Excavating (Slayton)
• Doom and Cuypers Construction, Inc. (Marshall)
• Mike Loosbrock Electric (Avoca)
• Musch Construction, Inc. (Pipestone)
• M.R. Paving & Excavating, Inc. (New Ulm)
• Northwest Drywall, Inc. (Redwood Falls)
• Slayton Building Materials (Slayton)
• Slayton Plumbing & Heating, Inc. (Slayton)
• South Central Glass (Mankato)
• Sussner Construction, Inc. (Marshall)

The project is expected to be complete in early 2025. Until then, the office staff will remain available at the Worthington location and there will be no interruption of the lineworkers working in both Slayton and Worthington.

Nobles Cooperative Electric Board of Directors Approve New Office Facility in Slayton

Nobles Cooperative Electric has decided to construct a new office facility in Slayton. Lineworkers will continue to operate from the existing warehouse sites in Worthington and Slayton.

For several years, the board has been planning for an updated building as part of their growth and planning strategy. In the fall of 2023, a prospective business interested in benefiting the residents of Nobles County proposed repurposing the current cooperative office building for a new use. This discussion has accelerated the project timeline for an updated facility for Nobles Cooperative Electric’s office personnel.

The cooperative has decided to update the office facility in Slayton, aiming to upgrade the existing warehouse by extending the office area on-site. The project will be funded through the allocated cash on hand from the board's long-term planning budget.

Construction is set to commence on June 3, 2024, with an estimated completion by the year's end.

The new facility will enhance interactions with the public and staff, while ensuring the security of data, employees and members. It will focus on energy efficiency and offer expanded space for member and employee gatherings and meetings. The goal of the new facility is to improve coordination, communication and member privacy, while adhering to state and federal regulations and complying with ADA requirements.

The office structure located outside of Worthington is over 50 years old and does not have the space for future growth or technological upgrades needed by the cooperative. Discussions regarding the future of the current office building, to be repurposed for another business in Worthington, are still ongoing.

In the upcoming months, members can find more information in Nobles Cooperative Electric’s Current Matters newsletter and on the cooperative’s website.

The cooperative will continue to operate warehouse facilities for their lineworkers in Slayton and Worthington, which are strategically positioned to serve members promptly and effectively.

The design concept and architectural blueprints for the office expansion are in progress and are being compiled by engineers at WiDSETH based out of Mankato, Minnesota.