NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: Friday, May 20, 2016
Contact: Natalie Likness, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, 605.773.3301

Georgia-based Manufacturing Company to Retain EMPI Jobs in Clear Lake

CLEAR LAKE, S.D. – Clear Lake received welcome news recently as Precision Partners, Inc., (PPI), an innovative manufacturing company based in Athens, Ga., announced its plans to retain the current workforce at the EMPI plant in Clear Lake. EMPI was a division of DJO Global, Inc., a leading global provider of high-quality, orthopedic devices.

The Clear Lake facility, which will operate under the name South Dakota Partners, Inc., will continue to produce surface mount technology printed circuit boards (PCB’s) and other medical devices for the medical field. PPI plans to continue a close working relationship with DJO Global to seek other opportunities for partnership in the medical device and electronic markets. PPI co-owner and CEO Luke Faulstick previously worked with DJO Global and believes the factory is a good fit for PPI.

Robert Fouberg, South Dakota Development Corporation (SDDC) chairman, is pleased his board could help provide financing to make this project a reality. “Sustaining economic development in rural communities is a critical part of our mission. That’s why it’s important that we continue to find ways to use this program to fit the financing needs of companies such as PPI.”

Faulstick touted the values of the people of who worked at EMPI. “They are a great group of people who share our values,” he said. “They bring deep knowledge in the medical device field, FDA certification and can provide components and manufacturing capabilities for our other companies and customers that will expand our product offerings.”

“I’m pleased PPI has decided to retain the facility’s current workforce,” said Pat Costello, Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). “Job retention can spur on job creation and that helps establish a sustainable economy, which is what we like to see happening in communities across South Dakota.”

“It’s important for us, as a community and economic development organization, to be forward-thinking—otherwise we’ll disappear,” said Joan Sacrison, executive director, Deuel County Development Corporation. “It’s awesome that Luke and Steve [Steve Hollis, co-owner, PPI] are ready and willing to help make our community not only a great place to live, but a great place to work, too.”

About PPI:
PPI, based in Athens, Ga., is a groundbreaking manufacturing company that strives to accelerate innovation through partnerships. Their collaborative culture brings together people, process and technology to sustain a high level of innovation. PPI companies and brands include Gap Partners, StampSource, ECO-Max, Change Partners and PPI Automation.

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