Lamppa Manufacturing named top family-owned small business
In the small town of Tower, nestled in northern Minnesota, Lamppa Manufacturing has stood the test of time, evolving from a modest family sideline into a globally recognized business. Through four generations of family ownership, this company’s commitment to excellence has not only spurred its growth but has also earned it the prestigious title of Minnesota Family-Owned Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Garrett Lamppa, the current CEO, expresses pride in the recognition, viewing it as a testament to the family’s long-standing dedication. “What makes it special to me is it really recognizes our whole family,” Garrett remarked. “Pretty cool to see where we started and how far we’ve come.”
Specializing in the production of Kuuma wood-burning furnaces and sauna stoves, Lamppa Manufacturing recently upgraded its operations by moving to a larger facility and expanding its team. This scale-up has notably increased its output to meet the rising demand observed especially during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The shift to a more spacious facility not only facilitated an increase in production but also marked a significant milestone in the company’s journey. The move to the new premises at 9501 Minnesota Highway 135 was made possible through a collaboration between Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation and the Tower Economic Development Association. This new state-of-the-art shop, approximately four times larger than its predecessor, has allowed for major efficiency improvements in both production processes and the quality of work life for employees.
Despite operating in a town with a population of less than 500, Lamppa Manufacturing plays a crucial role in the local economy by providing stable, quality jobs with benefits. The operation underscores the importance of manufacturing jobs that not only support the community but also contribute to a healthy work-life balance.
The roots of Lamppa Manufacturing trace back to the Great Depression era when Richard Lamppa, the great-grandfather of Garrett, commenced the business. Starting with crafting sauna stoves from oil drums for locals, the venture blossomed into a reputable name in the manufacture of efficient and environmentally friendly sauna stoves and furnaces. Lamppa products, known for their quality and innovation, have found markets not just in the U.S. but around the globe, including countries like Argentina, Ireland, Australia, Britain, Finland, and parts of South America.
The company’s philosophy is deeply influenced by the Finnish concept of “sisu,” representing strength and perseverance against adversity—a trait that Garrett sees reflected in the generations of Lamppas who have steered the business. Over the years, Lamppa Manufacturing’s commitment to innovation and quality has led to the creation of the cleanest-burning, most efficient wood furnace ever evaluated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
As Lamppa continues to grow under Garrett’s leadership, the organization also looks to the future, with the newest generation of Lamppas potentially taking the helm. With the introduction of the Kuuma BluFlame Gasification Sauna Stove and plans for an electric sauna stove, Lamppa Manufacturing is poised for continued success in the burgeoning sauna industry. “Sauna has really taken off in the last couple of years… We’re very well positioned for the next decade in the sauna industry,” Garrett concluded, indicating a bright future for this longstanding family business.
