Governor's Office of Economic Development

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2001

For More Information: Mary Lehecka Nelson, (605) 773-5032

Gun Manufacturing Cluster Continues to Grow in Sturgis

Pierre - Success breeds success. Nowhere is this more evident than in Sturgis as Chris Braendlin, commissioner, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, announced the relocation of Jamison International, Inc., the third gun manufacturing company to locate in Sturgis in less than two months.

"Gun companies are obviously hearing about the success of their peers in Sturgis and are taking a look at South Dakota," Braendlin said. "Sturgis is really positioning itself as a cluster for this type of company."

Braendlin said he just can’t emphasize enough the importance of having both town and industry leaders on the same page when it comes to economic development efforts. "Sturgis has really found the formula for success in this area," he added.

Jamison International, a California-based company, manufactures brass cartridges for the gun industry. The company plans to relocate to the Sturgis Industrial Park and will create 12 to15 jobs.

"I’m extremely excited about our new location in Sturgis," said Mark Jamison, company president. "The business climate in South Dakota is very friendly to manufacturing, unlike California. And, I’m thrilled at the quality of labor I’ve found, which is also unlike my previous location," he said.

Dan Mayer, co-chair of the Sturgis Industrial Expansion Corporation, is also excited about the new company. "We are thrilled to have this opportunity to continue to build the gun and ammo industry here in Sturgis. Jamison International is a good company and will certainly help us strengthen our position to be attractive to other companies in the industry," he concluded.

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