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711 E. Wells Ave.
Pierre, SD57501
(605) 773-3301
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2007
CONTACT: Sarah Van Berkum, 605-773-3301, Jeff Eckhoff, 605-339-0103.
Wilson Trailer expands manufacturing operations to Lennox
Wilson Trailer is headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa. The company has two manufacturing facilities there, with an additional production plant in Moberly, Missouri, and another in Yankton, South Dakota. Both semi livestock trailers and gooseneck livestock trailers are currently built at the Yankton plant. The company is planning to relocate its gooseneck livestock trailer production to Lennox, allowing for an expansion of semi livestock trailer production in Yankton. The Wilson employment force in Yankton will not decrease as a result of this expansion.
“This is an established company showing their confidence and success in our state by expanding their South Dakota operations,” said Governor Mike Rounds. “We congratulate Wilson Trailer on its new Lennox facility and look forward to its continued growth in South Dakota.”
The expansion into the Sioux Falls area is being made to capitalize on the fast-growing workforce in this area, as well as the distribution benefits of the region.
“Wilson Trailer is a quality company responding to the advantages of our area by expanding to an outstanding location in the Lennox Industrial Park,” said Jeff Eckhoff, executive director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Association. “The company has cited the availability of a build-ready site and a supply of motivated, productive employees in making their decision.”
According to Wilson Trailer Co-CEO Bill Persinger, South Dakota and the Lennox area offer the company an excellent opportunity to grow.
“By separating the production of two of our most successful trailer lines,” he said, “we anticipate seeing increases in productivity and sales of both our semi-size livestock and gooseneck livestock trailer products. Our Lennox facility will be a significant part of the future growth of our company.”
The Lennox Industrial Park was developed by the Lennox Area Development Corporation specifically to attract companies like Wilson Trailer, according to the group’s president, Alan Rops.
“Lennox has always been willing to make an investment in the future,” he said. “We are excited to see the park—and our community—continue to grow with the addition of Wilson Trailer.”
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new manufacturing plant were held on Tuesday, August 21, in Lennox.
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