Lamppa Manufacturing: Four Generations of Family Ownership and Innovation in Tower

Lamppa Manufacturing, a family-owned business in Tower, Minnesota, has been recognized as the Minnesota Family-Owned Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The company, known for its Kuuma wood-burning furnaces and sauna stoves, has a rich history that spans four generations.

What started as a side hustle for CEO Garrett Lamppa’s great-grandfather, Richard Lamppa, has now grown into a global operation. The company recently relocated to a larger facility and expanded its workforce to meet the growing demand for its products. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lamppa Manufacturing saw a significant increase in sales, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the business.

The new facility, a joint project between Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation and Tower Economic Development Association, is four times the size of Lamppa’s previous shop. This expansion has allowed the company to increase production and continue to provide quality jobs to the community.

With a focus on innovation, Lamppa Manufacturing is constantly looking for ways to improve its products. The company’s commitment to quality and sustainability has earned it a reputation as a leader in the industry. From the original sauna stoves made by Richard Lamppa in the 1930s to the latest Kuuma BluFlame Gasification Sauna Stove, the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sauna industry.

As Garrett Lamppa looks to the future, he sees a legacy that will continue for generations to come. With plans to launch an electric sauna stove and a strong position in the market, Lamppa Manufacturing is poised for success in the years to come. The company’s dedication to its roots and commitment to innovation make it a shining example of family-owned businesses in Minnesota.