Manufacturing Jobs Important Part of Local Economy

Our local economy is made up of more than hospitals, banks, credit card operations, and John Morrell. Manufacturing jobs do exist here, and they are a vital part of the local economy.

This week has been proclaimed Manufacturing Week in our state. Slater Barr of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation put together information showing the impact of employers who make things to our economy. In the Metropolitan Statistical Area there are about 13,300 manufacturing jobs, accounting for over 30% of South Dakota's manufacturing sector.  There are 270 companies, employing about 9% of the total workforce and generating $2.2 Billion in sales each year.

According to Barr,

the combination of new advances in technology, lean manufacturing techniques and best practices are making modern manufacturing one of the most sophisticated, highly skilled, forward-looking and innovative areas of business in the world today. US post-recession growth is outstripping that of other advanced countries.

The Development Foundation  has created a directory of regional manufacturers. Here are a couple of names from the list:  Aerostar International; Bell, Inc; CCL Label; Midwest Railcar Repair; and Showplace Wood Products.

If you wish to obtain the complete list, contact the Development Foundation at 605-339-0103