ABOUT UPPER MIDWEST INDUSTRIES
Upper Midwest Industries (UMI) has its roots in the Midwest, with companies located across the U.S. Based in Hopkins, Minnesota, we are building a family of innovative manufacturing companies making high-quality components so that American manufacturing can flourish.
A PROUD 60-YEAR HISTORY OF FAMILY OWNERSHIP.
Ted Carlsen purchased Spantek Expanded Metal (Spantek) in 1963, a company that had lost $25,000 in sales of $46,000 the year before. Ted believed that with proper management, the company could be turned around — and it was! Over the next 18 years, Ted would purchase or create four more small manufacturing companies — ultimately combining them into Upper Midwest Industries (UMI).
His son, David Carlsen, purchased UMI in 1997 and became its second-generation owner. Over the next 19 years, David bought and sold several businesses, and created the UMI we have today. Through this process, David attributes his success to common sense financial skills, an easy rapport with all people and an ability to gracefully handle stress.
Cousins Sam Carlsen and Wes Lilja purchased a controlling stake from David in 2019. They believe that family businesses are ideal stewards for the future of American manufacturing. Today, they are continuing the legacy Ted started by building a family of companies that endures for the next generation and beyond.
OUR VALUES
PEOPLE
We respect our people and value their unique contributions. As a multigenerational, family-owned company, we pride ourselves on creating a work environment that supports employees and their families.
TRUST
We’re a trusted resource for our customers, working diligently to meet their specific needs and timelines, and investing in the right resources to make it happen. We know that our word is our bond to our customers and our employees.
GROWTH
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, we seek responsible growth that leaves American manufacturing in a better place for future generations. We know growth isn’t always linear, and we value long-term relationships first.
WHO WE ARE
Sam Carlsen, Co-Owner and CEO of Upper Midwest Industries
Sam Carlsen is a third-generation owner and operator of Upper Midwest Industries (UMI). He is also the CEO of Spantek Expanded Metal (Spantek), a subsidiary of UMI. At Spantek, Sam has run daily production, as well as hiring, training and production improvement projects. He currently works with the Spantek team on future growth planning, which includes expanding the company’s presence in the architectural market. At UMI, he oversees manufacturing and facility management, and overall operational improvements.
Prior to joining the family business, Sam worked in community-based architecture and planning in the Twin Cities and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, focusing on transit development and hurricane recovery respectively. He earned his master’s degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota and earned a highly coveted three-year Enterprise Rose Architectural Fellowship while working with the St. Paul Riverfront Corporation.
Sam has a passion for quality and innovation, and fosters a strong sense of stewardship for his employees and for future generations. Sam is a proud member of the Expanded Metal Manufacturers Association and the St. Thomas Family Business Center NextGen peer group.
An outdoor enthusiast and early riser, Sam can often be found outdoors in any season with his two young children in tow or a frisbee in hand — he’s played Ultimate Frisbee for over 20 years!
Wes Lilja, Co-Owner and Board Chair of Upper Midwest Industries
Wes Lilja is a third-generation owner and Board Chair at UMI. He also is the CEO of Blow Molded Specialties (BMS). At BMS, Wes works with the leadership team to develop and implement the company’s long-term organic growth plan as well as their capital planning process. He also leads initiatives to enhance the efficiency and management capabilities across the company. At UMI, he leads the management team in identifying and pursuing acquisition opportunities.
Prior to joining BMS and UMI, Wes worked in mergers and acquisitions as an investment banker at Harris Williams & Co., focusing on the consumer industry by working primarily with branded food businesses and food manufacturers. Wes received his M.B.A. from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington.
Wes enjoys working with other business leaders to solve complex business challenges. He is a member of a St. Thomas Family Business Center NextGen peer group and also serves as an outside board advisor to a privately held metal processing company located in Minnesota.
Wes lives in Edina with his wife and four children. He enjoys staying active through running, skiing, and playing golf (albeit poorly).