Workforce Dollars to help Minnesota Rubber & Plastics Train Employees 

PIERRE, S.D. –  More than 80 percent of the workforce at Minnesota Rubber & Plastics of Watertown will upgrade their skills thanks in part to a $168,000 Workforce Development training grant from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. The grant is matched by the company.

Minnesota Rubber & Plastics, a leader in providing precision made rubber and plastic components and assemblies, is expanding its product line and acquiring new equipment which requires training of existing employees.

“Minnesota Rubber & Plastics has been a strong corporate citizen in our state for more than 40 years and I am pleased to see this company continue to grow here,” said Gov. Dennis Daugaard. “The training that the employees will receive will help Minnesota Rubber & Plastics meet its growing demands and get its employees up to speed on its equipment in a much timelier manner.”

"Minnesota Rubber & Plastics has been a part of the South Dakota economy since 1966 and we are committed to transforming our Watertown facility into a world-class operation. With that comes new technology, and this training grant will help us to achieve our goals and also, raise the bar for the South Dakota workforce,” said Robb Peterson, plant manager. “Leaps in technology are part of the recipe for success for many companies, and these types of training dollars prove South Dakota's commitment to helping business grow and reach their potential."

“I’m always glad to see companies growing in the Watertown area,” said Craig Atkins, Executive Director of the Watertown Development Company, “Minnesota Rubber & Plastics continues to demonstrate why they are a leading employer in the community, insuring that they have a trained and skilled workforce essential to the company’s success.”

The South Dakota Workforce Development Program extends education and training resources to provide South Dakota employers with both well-trained and skilled workforces. Using matching grants, the program funds industry-education partnerships through customized training programs within which short-term, job-specific training is delivered. For more information, please visit www.sdreadytowork.com/finance

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