3M (St. Paul, Minn.) says that its Brookings, S.D., plant is poised to expand, with 3M investing up to $468 million over the next three years.
“3M is proud to have been a part of the growing community of Brookings for more than 50 years. This expansion will help Brookings and 3M support our great employees in making health care products used in the U.S. and around the world,” said James Burkhardt, 3M Brookings plant director. “We want to thank the state of South Dakota and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development for their collaboration.”
The work will begin with a $158 million expansion of the plant this year, including 16 additional shipping docks, an 8,000-slot warehouse, 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space, and additional lab and office space.
“3M’s continued investment in South Dakota speaks volumes for our state. This tremendous pledge to their Brookings’ location will be a big win to the community as it will provide additional quality jobs and will continue to promote economic development growth for years to come,” said Chris Schilken, commissioner for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
Brookings’ Economic Development Corporation CEO Tim Reed said he is thrilled that 3M chose Brookings for the expansion.
“3M’s reach in the community goes beyond the quality jobs they provide. They are also a great corporate citizen as evident by the 3Mgives program that provides grants, donations and volunteer hours to benefit local partners,” he said.
3M Brookings broke ground in 1969 and is the company’s first and largest health care manufacturing facility. The plant is 667,000 square feet and employs more than 1,000 people making hundreds of medical and surgical products.