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711 E. Wells Ave.
Pierre, SD57501
(605) 773-3301
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 19, 2006
CONTACT: Sarah Van Berkum, 773-3301
Trailer Manufacturing Company to Create 80 New Jobs
PIERRE, S.D. – R-Star Manufacturing, a new company that manufactures trailers for the agricultural and ethanol industries, will set up shop in Springfield, S.D., Gov. Mike Rounds announced today. R-Star recently acquired the former SKF facility in Springfield, and plans to create 80 new jobs over the next two years.
R-Star is a start-up company owned and operated by Randy Golden of Yankton, S.D. Golden has extensive experience in the industry and previously owned and operated Sidump’r in Plainview, Neb.
R-Star will offer a new trailer that features an innovative design and allows truckers in the ethanol and agriculture industries to use one trailer to haul both product and bi-products.
“This is great news for Springfield,” said Gov. Rounds. “We are pleased to welcome R-Star to South Dakota’s business community. I applaud the cooperative spirit of Mr. Randy Golden and the local community, who combined their efforts to make this a success.”
R-Star Manufacturing purchased the former SKF building and will begin renovations when SKF vacates the building in the early fall of 2006, with actual production beginning in January 2007. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the City of Springfield are assisting R-Star with the acquisition and ramp up efforts.
Golden is thankful for the accessibility of state and local leaders to make the business opportunity possible. “I am grateful that SKF was willing to negotiate a deal, enabling Springfield and the state of South Dakota to maintain employment opportunities. Additionally, this agreement was made possible by the outstanding support given by Governor Rounds, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and the City of Springfield,” said Golden. “This trailer, which was designed primarily for the ethanol industry, will allow end users to haul one to two tons more payload compared to competitors. Further, our patented design allows for 15 second discharge of 75 cubic yard payload. We are confident R-Star trailers will deliver the versatility and quality that consumers deserve,” he added.
“The combination of Randy Golden’s entrepreneurial spirit with South Dakota’s productive workforce and business-friendly tax climate is a true recipe for success,” said Department of Tourism and State Development Secretary Richard Benda. “As part of the state’s 2010 Initiative, we’re dedicated to increasing the gross state product by $10 billion. Ventures like this bring that goal even closer to realization – and create the opportunity for people to live and work in the state.”
“This represents a great opportunity to create jobs in the wake of the SKF plant closing,” said Springfield Mayor Norm Shelske. “Our entire community appreciates the fact that a new business was ready to utilize the space vacated by SKF so quickly, and continue to keep our town’s economic future healthy.”
R-Star is currently accepting applications for a Computer-Aided Drawing (CAD) technician with 2d/ 3d capabilities in SoildWorks or AutoCAD inventor, and for a production manager with semi trailer experience. Applications for all other positions will be accepted starting this fall. Applicants are encouraged to contact South Dakota Career Center in Yankton, S.D. at 605-668-2908.
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