NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: Monday, September 12, 2016
Contact: Natalie Likness, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, 605.773.3301

Agile Manufacturing Enters Contract with European-based Tractor Manufacturer

WORTHING, S.D. – Agile Manufacturing LLC, a Worthing, S.D., manufacturer of material handling equipment for agricultural and industrial applications, announced today that it landed a major contract with CLAAS, a global leader in in the design and manufacturing of agricultural equipment.

As part of the new contract, Agile will manufacture products, as well as prepare machines for shipment. That product will be shipped to CLAAS facilities and dealers across North America.

“When our companies succeed, our state succeeds,” said Gov. Dennis Daugaard. “The fact that Agile landed a contract with such a prestigious company is very exciting. CLAAS has been engineering and manufacturing agricultural equipment for more than 100 years, so it’s a perfect fit for South Dakota’s number one industry.”

The Board of Economic Development (BED) approved Agile for a REDI (Revolving Economic Development and Initiative) Fund loan in September 2013. The funds from the loan allowed Agile to move forward with its expansion, helping secure its contract with CLAAS.

“CLAAS began looking for a partner in North America several years ago, and around that same time as when we started constructing our new facility in Worthing,” said Michael Feilmeier, president of Agile Manufacturing. “Our goal with the new facility was to house a state-of-the-art paint system, have install bays capable of handling very large equipment and some fabrication space. We wrapped all this up in perhaps one of the most geo-thermal-efficient buildings in the industry, so our construction was very timely. Had we not partnered with the GOED to build this facility the way we knew we needed to, I don’t think we would’ve even been a consideration.”

CLAAS is best known in North America for its premium lines of Jaguar forage harvesters and Lexion combines. The expansion of tractors into the North American market helps round out its offering as a long-line manufacturer.

For more information about CLAAS, visit www.claas-group.com/the-group/about-claas. To get more information on Agile, visit www.millerloader.com and www.grabtec.com. For more information about financing programs offered through the GOED, visit www.sdreadytowork.com/finance.

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