FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; Friday, Dec. 10, 2004       

CONTACT: Mary Lehecka Nelson, 773-3301                                                                  

AKG Announces Mitchell as Second US Location

Pierre, S.D. – AKG, a German-based manufacturer of cooling systems and heat exchangers, is opening its second plant in the United States, this time in Mitchell, SD, Gov. Mike Rounds announced today, Dec. 10.

“AKG is a world class company that employs more than 2,000 people worldwide,” Gov. Rounds said. “The fact that it selected South Dakota as home for its new division, AKG Midwest, Inc., is a real honor,” he said.

AKG Midwest Inc. plans to create between 100-160 jobs in the next three years. “The company anticipates its total capital investment will be in excess of $7 million,” the Governor said. The company will be physically located in an 80,000 square foot facility to be constructed in the Mitchell Interstate 90 Industrial Park.

The state is working closely with the company to ensure that a workforce with the necessary skills is available. “We are working with all of our technical institutes across the state to develop an aluminum welding training program to accommodate AKG Midwest, Inc.,” Gov. Rounds said. “Specialized training is one of the best things we can do for our companies,” he added.

“This training is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in getting into aluminum metal work and welding to upgrade their skills,” Gov. Rounds said. “Anyone interested in employment opportunities with AKG Midwest, Inc. is encouraged to contact the Career Center of Mitchell at (605) 995-8060.

The Governor noted that AKG Midwest, Inc. provides equipment to clients like Caterpillar, Gehl and John Deere. “Some of the AKG Midwest’s major customers are located in the Midwest so its facility in Mitchell will make it easier to service those customers,” he said.

John Clarke, president of the Mitchell Area Development Corporation, noted that AKG Midwest is a high quality company with a good reputation in its industry.  AKG Midwest’s new Mitchell location along Interstate 90 will complete the development of the 60 acre industrial park.  

Clarke was pleased with the team approach to this project. “The management at AKG , the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the City of Mitchell including the Mayor, City Council, and city staff have all had an excellent working relationship in making this development project a reality for Mitchell and for South Dakota,” he said.

Dieter Reichel, senior consultant for AKG, agreed. “I can not say enough good things about the state and the community of Mitchell. When I asked the state for information, it never took longer than 12 hours to receive that information,” he said.

Dr. –Ing. Bodo Marquardt, managing director of AKG, is pleased with the move to Mitchell. “AKG hopes that the relationship between South Dakota, Mitchell and AKG will, in the future, bring profit to the state, the people and our company,” he concluded.

AKG currently has 11 manufacturing facilities located around the world. It first expanded to the United States in 1981 when it built a plant in Mebane, North Carolina.

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