Northern Tier Energy Opens Woodbury Offices

Dozens of people turned out for Wednesday’s ribbon cutting for Northern Tier Energy, which recently opened an office in Woodbury.

The Connecticut-based company opened the Woodbury location on Sept. 1 and employs about 110 people in space at 576 Bielenberg Drive, said CEO Mario E. Rodriguez.

Rodriguez described the privately owned Northern Tier Energy as a “refining and marking company.” The company was established to own and operate the St. Paul Park Refinery as well as a retail network of convenience stores and a 17 percent equity interest in the Minnesota Pipeline, according to its website.

Mayor Mary Giuliani Stephens was on hand for the function, and welcomed Northern Tier Energy to the city.

“We thank you for your investment in our community,” Stephens said. “We’re glad you’re here.”

While addressing the large crowd Wednesday morning, Rodriguez talked about the company’s entrepreneurial spirit and its job creation.

He said Northern Tier Energy chose Woodbury primarily for its proximity to other locations. The building itself and the landlord were other reasons, he said.

Northern Tier Energy occupies about three-quarters of the second floor of the Bielenberg building, with offices spanning 20,000 square feet.

For more from Rodriguez, check out the video with this story.