FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, August 21, 2013

CONTACT: Mary Lehecka Nelson, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, 605.773.3301

Permian Tank & Manufacturing, Inc. Expanding to Belle Fourche

PIERRE, S.D. – Texas-based above ground storage tank and processing equipment manufacturer Permian Tank & Manufacturing, Inc. will expand its operations to Belle Fourche, S.D. as the anchor business to the new industrial and rail park. The company’s expansion will initially include a steel tank manufacturing facility with plans to evolve and expand the facility to produce a complete line of products serving the oil and gas exploration and production industry.

“Permian Tank & Manufacturing is a perfect fit for South Dakota. With our great business environment, low tax burdens and reasonable regulatory climate, Permian Tank & Manufacturing made the right choice to come to South Dakota,” said Gov. Dennis Daugaard. “With more than 40,000 South Dakotans currently employed in the manufacturing industry, this company will be a nice addition to our growing manufacturing base.”

Terry Jacobson, a corporate attorney for Permian Tank and raised in Lead, first suggested looking at the Black Hills area for the company’s expansion. Ultimately, the Belle Fourche location was chosen because of its geographical location to support the Bakken, Niobrara and Green River oil field activities.

“Belle Fourche is centrally located to service the oil and gas industry in North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming,” said Dan Edling, vice president of Strategy & Planning for Permian Tank & Manufacturing, Inc. “Belle Fourche is developing a quality industrial park with rail service, along with other local incentives.” 

Permian’s expansion will also mean more available jobs. According to Edling, the new plant will accommodate up to 65 new employees, depending on business conditions. “One of our major concerns was the availability of qualified employees,” Edling said. “We are confident that the region will be able to accommodate our employment needs. The people of Belle Fourche are quality individuals.” Edling says hiring will begin in the spring of 2014.

Edling said the quality of life in Belle Fourche also played a key role in the company’s decision to expand to the area. “I can see Belle Fourche is a family-friendly community. The quality of life is unmatched. Located in the Black Hills, the recreational, historical and tourist opportunities are endless.”

“The city of Belle Fourche is very excited,” said Belle Fourche Mayor Gary Hendrickson. “Permian Tank recognizes the value of the location of the new industrial park. We are confident Permian will jump start new business for the industrial park. Permian Tank’s reputation goes a long way.”

Permian Tank began its operations in 1976 as a steel tank fabricator. In 1985 it added a fiberglass division. Since its inception, Permian Tank & Manufacturing, Inc. has expanded to become one of the largest manufacturers of steel and fiberglass oil storage tanks, gunbarrels, heater treaters, separators and free water knockouts in the United States.

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