Office of the Governor

500 E. Capitol Ave.

Pierre, SD 57501

(605) 773-3212

www.state.sd.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, August 4, 2004

CONTACT: Mary Lehecka Nelson, Tourism and State Development, (605) 773-3301 

Real Industries announces expansion to Milbank

PIERRE, S.D. –  Milbank, S.D., is welcoming Real Industries of Rathwell, Manitoba, as its newest corporate citizen.

“This company is a great fit for Milbank,” said Gov. Rounds. “I commend local officials for working hard to make this expansion a reality. This move will create up to 12 jobs in the next five years,” Rounds said.

Real Industries designs and manufactures livestock handling equipment and has been in operation since 1976. 

“We have developed products to make working livestock easier,” said David Rea, Real Industries president. “We have also devised ways to get products to the end-user without draining the pocketbook.”

Rea said that it was only after careful consideration that the company selected Milbank for its expansion. 

“We were familiar with South Dakota and its business climate,” said Rea. “So when we started looking, we took a hard look at this state.”

Rea said critical factors in the company’s decision included: an available building, a progressive economic development team and Milbank’s proximity to I-29.

“Transportation was a key issue for us, so Milbank’s proximity to the Interstate played a role in our decision,” Rea said. 

He also commended the community for being progressive and open to development opportunities. “George Smith of the Grant County Economic Development Corporation and Chuck Myklegard of Farrell Real Estate demonstrated the community’s values and hard work ethic. They really worked hard to bring us here.”

Smith said that Milbank citizens are thrilled to have Real Industries join their community. “This is exactly the type of business we were hoping for. This is a world-class company and is a tremendous addition to our community,” Smith said.

The company is currently in the process of hiring and plans to be operational by September 1, 2004.

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