711 E. Wells Ave.

Pierre, SD 57501

(605) 773-3301

www.SDreadytowork.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 12, 2008

CONTACT: Mary Cerney, 605-773-3301, mary.cerney@state.sd.us

 or

Callan Jarabek, Rosenbauer America at 605-543-5591, cjarabek@rosenbaueramerica.com

 

Lyons, SD – (November 12, 2007) – Rosenbauer America, located just 10 miles northwest of Sioux Falls in Lyons, recently expanded its fire apparatus manufacturing facility by 25,000 ft². A groundbreaking ceremony was held today to officially mark the start of construction.

 

“The ROSENBAUER Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of fire fighting vehicles. It has a permanent presence in more than 100 countries and it employs nearly 1,500 people worldwide,” said Richard Benda, secretary, Department of Tourism and State Development. “And today, we have the opportunity to celebrate the expansion of this world class business right here in South Dakota.”

 

After thanking everyone for attending, Harold Boer, CEO of Rosenbauer America, highlighted what the new space will encompass and what that means to Rosenbauer and its customers. New production and fabrication areas will cover nearly 12,000 ft², while more than 11,000 ft² will be dedicated to offices and a showroom facility that will be able to house six completed fire apparatus at any given time.

 

“This new space means that we will be able to have shorter lead times,” said Boer. “This is very important to our customers when they need fire apparatus to protect their communities. The new showroom will give the fire departments an experience they won’t forget when they see their brand-new, custom-built fire truck for the first time.”

 

The additional space will also require more employees, which means more jobs for Minnehaha County. New positions will be available in several departments; including plumbing, electrical, paint, body, mechanical, fabrication, and welding. Rosenbauer hopes to add at least 65 new members to its existing staff of 230 over the next five years. More employment information can be found on the company’s web site at www.rosenbaueramerica.com.

 

Among those in attendance were Jeff Eckhoff, the Executive Director of the Lincoln and Minnehaha County Economic Development Associations; Phil Kappen, member of the County Planning Commission, Secretary Benda; and more than 200 Rosenbauer employees and members of the community.

Construction on the new facilities are scheduled to be completed in April of 2008.

 

Rosenbauer is the world’s leading manufacturer of firefighting vehicles and equipment. In North America, Rosenbauer incorporates the international strength and innovation of a global company with top American manufacturing firms. For more information, please visit the company’s website - www.rosenbaueramerica.com.

 

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