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For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 24, 2003
For More Information: Mary Lehecka Nelson, GOED, (605) 773-5032
John Schulzetenberg, Luverne Truck Equipment, (605) 582-8812
Luverne Truck Equipment to Undergo Major Expansion in Brandon
Pierre – Governor Mike Rounds announced today that Luverne Truck Equipment of Brandon will increase its production, increase the size of its production facility and create more than 40 jobs in the next three years.
“Increased sales and expanding markets prompted the need for this expansion,” Rounds said. “The company plans to construct a 36,000 square foot facility to accommodate the current and projected growth,” he said. The new building will allow Luverne Truck Equipment to add a second production line and additional warehouse space.
The company, which is celebrating 40 years in business, expanded its operations to South Dakota in 1985. The company, which manufactures truck equipment and accessories, has two principle businesses. The Luverne product line offers high quality aftermarket accessories for pickups and sport utility vehicles. The RETRAC product line manufactures exterior mounted mirrors for truck original equipment manufacturers and the heavy-duty truck aftermarket. Both Luverne and Retrac enjoy strong national reputations for quality. Rounds said he is pleased to see existing South Dakota companies grow and expand in our state. “Companies like Luverne Truck Equipment are proof that South Dakota’s business climate is conducive to growth,” Rounds said. John Schulzetenberg, Luverne’s President and CEO said, “We have worked closely with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the City of Brandon in planning this project. We are very pleased with their cooperation.” Schulzetenberg also said, “Luverne Truck needs to increase its production capacity to allow the company’s continued expansion of its national distribution, including the addition of regional sales warehouses in the Memphis, Tennessee, Charlotte, North Carolina and Cleveland, Ohio areas in the past year and an additional nine regional locations planned over the next three years.”
Construction of the new building is scheduled to begin in May. The scheduled August completion date will coincide with the company’s 40th anniversary celebration.
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