Iracore International, Inc.

Iracore International, Inc. is in the pipeline to success.

Iracore International, a subsidiary of Industrial Rubber Products, Inc., produces lined pipe that transports bitumen from Canadian oil sands facilities.

The unique pipe, produced at an Iracore facility in Hibbing, Minnesota, prevents pipeline leaks and environmental consequences. Because of its ability to transport hot, petroleum-rich abrasive slurry, the piping system also reduces costs for the growing oil sands industry. 

In 2006, Iracore located the pipe facility in Hibbing with assistance from Iron Range Resources, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, city, county and school board officials, Hibbing Economic Development Association, Northland Foundation, American Bank of the North and Northern State Bank. The facility is expected to employ up to 40 full-time workers.

“The Iron Range is a great place to do business and I am delighted to be able to open this new plant in Hibbing, Minn.,” said Daniel O. Burkes, Industrial Rubber Products, Inc. chief executive officer.

Industrial Rubber Products, Inc., and a subsidiary, Irathane Systems, Inc., have been in business in Hibbing since 1957.

Iracore received a direct loan and bank participation loans from Iron Range Resources to help put the company on the pipeline to success.