NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011

CONTACT: Brooke Bohnenkamp, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, 605.773.3301

                      Craig Atkins, Focus Watertown, 605.884.0340

                                  Mike McCammack, OEM Worldwide, 605.886.2519

OEM Worldwide Announces Expansion; Anticipates Adding 150 New Jobs

WATERTOWN, S.D. – Watertown-based OEM Worldwide, LLC (OEM) has announced an $11 million expansion and improvement project to take place during the next four years. The company celebrated the expansion with a groundbreaking ceremony for their 50,000 square-foot addition on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011.

OEM is an Electronic Contract Manufacturer specializing in high-mix, low-to-medium volume printed circuit board assemblies and higher-level assembly for precision products in medical, communications, and industrial applications.

According to President and CEO Mike McCammack, the building expansion is the first phase of the project. “The new space will double our system-build and warehousing capacity,” he said. “During the next four years we will also upgrade and replace our automated printed circuit board assembly equipment, which will increase our current manufacturing capacity and prepare us for entry into new markets.”

“The markets we service are highly technical and engineering intensive.  This requires that we plan proactively so our customers can continue to count on us as their strategic partner for electronic manufacturing services. This investment is another commitment toward that end.”

OEM plans to continue to grow in the medical and industrial markets in which they now excel. They also anticipate expanding into Military/Aerospace and Smart Grid markets.

As the business grows McCammack said they will add up to 150 new jobs. “Our board assembly, test, and higher-level assembly operations will all expand with our business growth,” he said. “These are exciting and technically skilled positions.”

Focus Watertown President Craig Atkins said the expansion is one more exciting success for Watertown. “OEM has always been an excellent member of our business community. We are excited for their success and look forward to continuing to work with them on growth projects like this one,” Atkins said.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard echoed Atkins’ enthusiasm.

"OEM's growth is a win for the company, for Watertown, the state, and our workforce,” the Governor said.

“Adding 150 jobs is a big deal anywhere in South Dakota, and I couldn’t be more pleased."

OEM Worldwide built its existing facility in 2004 supported by loans from both Watertown and the state of South Dakota. Since that time, they have more than tripled their business. 

Founded in 1989 in Watertown, South Dakota, OEM has grown into one of the Midwest’s premier Electronic Contract Manufacturers.

Focus Watertown is a non-profit economic development organization funded by public and private investors with the mission of increasing job opportunity and the property tax base of Watertown.

-30-