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Governor's Office of Economic Development
For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 27, 2001
For More Information: Mary Lehecka Nelson, (605) 773-5032
Sturgis to Become Home to Two New Companies
Pierre - The gun manufacturing cluster in Sturgis grew by two companies today, September 27, when Governor Bill Janklow announced the location of Bruce Bowen and Company and 100 Straight Products.
The companies, both owned by Bruce and Chris Bowen, are a welcome addition to the Sturgis manufacturing base. "Sturgis, and really all of the Black Hills, has established itself as a premier place for gun companies to do business," Janklow said.
Janklow went on to commend the local industry leaders for working together to bring more manufacturers to South Dakota. "These people are some of our best economic development recruiters," he said. "It’s a powerful statement when existing companies are out there touting our business climate to their peers in the industry."
The recruitment efforts, Janklow said, are paying off. "Bruce Bowen and Company will be the fifth gun/ammo company in Sturgis and the 12th in the Black Hills region," he added.
Bruce Bowen and Company and 100 Straight Products will create 10 jobs in the Sturgis area, provide an estimated payroll of more than $200,000 and make an initial capital investment of nearly $500,000.
Bruce Bowen and Company will manufacture high quality trap shooting shotguns. Its market is made up of the estimated 38,000 trap shooters nationwide. Company officials estimate its existing market share at one percent, but expect the South Dakota location to help that number grow to at least four percent. 100 Straight Products resells components for the trapshooting industry via catalogs.
"We are extremely excited about our move to Sturgis," said Bruce Bowen, president, Bruce Bowen and Company. "The State of South Dakota has made it very easy for us to make the move," he added.
Mayor Mark Zeigler is also happy about the move. "We’re excited to have another manufacturing company that compliments our existing base. We really feel like we’ve found a niche that works for us," he said.
Job applications are being accepted by all of the Black Hills area One Stop Career Centers.
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