Lowell-based Central States expands into South Dakota

Lowell-based Central States Manufacturing is expanding in Hartford, S.D., with a plant expected to employ up to 40 in the next three years, according to a statement from the South Dakota office of Economic Development.

The company, which produces and distributes metal building products, plans to build a 40,000-square-foot manufacturing plant on a 10-acre plot.

“The land was identified for economic development, and Central States Manufacturing will now serve as the anchor in a new industrial park,” South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard said in the statement. “I hope this expansion will serve as a catalyst for additional development in the Hartford area.”
 
The Hartford location is the sixth company expansion since opening its doors in 1988. The company also has operations in Michigan City, Ind.; Cedar Hill, Texas; Jasper, Ala.; and Mount Airy, N.C.
 
“The decision to open our sixth manufacturing plant in Hartford, S.D., was influenced by the agricultural focus in the region, as well as its recent and projected growth,” Donna Leger, President, Central States Manufacturing, said in the statement. “In order to provide our customers with the best service and for us to extend our delivery service north, an additional manufacturing facility was needed. We are excited about this opportunity and look forward to supporting the growth of the northern Great Plains and the community of Hartford,” she said.
 
South Dakota will provide workforce development funds to help train new employees at the Hartford facility.

Central States employs more than 400 companywide, and began in April 1988 in a small facility in Rogers. The company is now based in a more than 123,000-square-foot manufacturing and office complex in Lowell.