Manufacturing Month in Spink County: Focusing on the Workforce of the Future

Spink County is home to manufacturing companies that produce goods using the latest technologies and raw materials in the state of South Dakota.  Kicking off on Manufacturing Day — Friday, October 7 —  and continuing throughout the month, we celebrate companies in the community for their employment opportunities and innovations that grow our economy.

Manufacturing Day Stretches Through October

Launched annually on the first Friday in October with events that continue throughout the month, Manufacturing Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. With the theme of “Creators Wanted,” the focus is on building the workforce of the future by educating America’s youth about the incredible career pathways that modern manufacturing offers. Manufacturing creates careers that are full of opportunities for advancement and stability.

Manufacturing in Spink County

Spink County Economic Development is using this opportunity to call attention to the many manufacturing companies we have in our community. These manufacturers are leaders in technology and good workplace practices, produce high-quality products, and consistently innovate to keep in step with and progress in their industries. We are proud that these companies have made their home in Spink County. 

Growth in Manufacturing Sector in South Dakota

Manufacturers in South Dakota account for 10.30% of the total output in the state, employing 10.11% of the workforce. Total output from manufacturing was $5.31 billion in 2018. In addition, there were an average of 44,000 manufacturing employees in South Dakota in 2018, with an average annual compensation of $56,999.52 in 2017.

Manufacturing’s importance in Spink County and throughout South Dakota is due to the sector’s stability and growth. Manufacturers also help to drive South Dakota’s economy, with $1.32 billion in manufactured goods exports in 2018. That same year, $0.93 billion in exports was with our free trade agreement (FTA) partners. This helps create jobs in the state, and 17.10% of its employment stemmed from exports in 2011. Small businesses comprised 75.00% percent of all exporters in South Dakota.

South Dakota: A manufacturing climate

Makers in South Dakota are responsible for manufacturing a variety of high-quality goods, from world-class precision ag products to electronic display boards found at sports stadiums across the globe. Not only are our products dependable, but so are the people who make them. We have a manufacturing ecosystem that supports growth and encourages innovation. With access to a U.S Port of Entry and major interstates to both coasts and Canada, it’s no surprise that manufacturing products make up the majority of the state’s exports.

In Spink County, sites and buildings are available for manufacturing companies looking to expand. Here, businesses have the room they need to grow, and local economic developers are available to make it easy to find the perfect location. In certain cases, financial incentives can be applied to make the move an even better investment. 
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Please call us if you want to start a manufacturing initiative in Spink County - we have the resources and the database to assist you in your endeavors! Contact us here.