Office of the Governor
For Immediate Release: Friday, May 17, 2002
For More Information:  Mary Lehecka Nelson, 773-5032

Janklow Announces Britton Expansion of Truss-Pro’s, Inc.

(Pierre) – Truss-Pro’s, Inc, a Britton-based company, is adding 13 full-time people within the next three years and expanding its existing facility by 17,000 square feet.

“This is a South Dakota grown company that is nearly 25 years strong,” Janklow said. “Truss-Pro’s continues to grow to meet the demands in the construction industry.”

The company, which started in Britton in 1978, manufactures roof and floor trusses.  Truss-Pro’s currently employs 45 people at its Britton plant and nine others who work with their network of dealers and developers across the region.

“This company is looking at a nearly 30 percent expansion in a town of 1,300,” Janklow said.

Janklow commended the Britton company for building a reputation of quality and outstanding customer service. “Truss-Pro’s currently has less than 10 percent of the market share in its industry. This expansion puts them in the position to expand its market share by 25 to 30 percent,” he said.

“We are excited about our expansion in Britton,” said John Kraft, vice president of Truss-Pro’s. “When it came time for us to expand, we talked about other locations, but in the end, we felt Britton was the best choice for us,” he said. “Britton as a community has a lot to offer as far as lifestyle, good work ethic and available labor. We were confident we could get the people we needed in Britton,” he added.

For Kraft and the other principles in the company, one of the biggest advantages of growing this company has been providing an opportunity for young people to stay in the Britton area. “Truss-Pro’s has helped create an environment for other businesses to start in Britton, including businesses run by our children. It’s rewarding to be a part of something like that,” he concluded.

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