This week, Mitchell joins the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) in celebrating the third annual South Dakota Manufacturing Week. Across South Dakota, manufacturers play a vital role in our state’s overall economic health. The products of our manufacturers are as diverse as the companies themselves, and South Dakota manufacturers produce an astounding array of products.
With over 2,000 employees in the local industry, manufacturing is a major driver of the Mitchell economy. During South Dakota Manufacturing Week, a local association is hoping to bring more awareness to this diverse and growing industry.
The Mitchell Area Manufacturing Association (MAMA) is celebrating Manufacturing Week, which runs September 28 – October 3, with several events throughout Mitchell. Four local businesses will be providing free facility tours, including tour guides and refreshments. These businesses are Twin City Fan (Wednesday), Enertech, Toshiba, and Trail King (Saturday). Throughout the week, multiple manufacturing representatives will be speaking in service clubs in the community to share insights on manufacturing in Mitchell.
Additionally, two related events coincide with South Dakota Manufacturing Week this year: an open house for the Mitchell Career and Technical Education Academy, to be held on Monday, September 28 from 4-6 p.m., and the annual Mitchell Technical Institute Career Expo, open to area students.
The Mitchell Area Manufacturing Association will also be sponsoring a salute to manufacturing at the Mitchell Kernels football game on Friday night, October 2. Fans will be receiving a free small popcorn with purchase of a beverage, compliments of MAMA.
At the facility tours and the MTI Career Expo, students will have the opportunity to apply for a $500 scholarship to Mitchell Technical Institute, also sponsored by MAMA.
The following events are free and open to the public:
| Event | Location | Date | Time |
| MCTEA Open House | 821 N. Capital Street | Monday, Sept. 28 | 4 – 6 p.m. |
| Facility Tour: Twin City Fan | 2201 N. Ohlman | Wednesday, Sept. 30 | 5 – 7 p.m. |
| Facility Tour: Enertech | 5751 Airport Road | Saturday, October 3 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Facility Tour: Toshiba | 901 Foster Street | Saturday, October 3 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Facility Tour: Trail King Industries | 2200 S. Ohlman | Saturday, October 3 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
The Mitchell Area Manufacturers Association, or MAMA, has been active in Mitchell for nearly 40 years. It is a membership organization structured specifically to “promote and improve Mitchell and the surrounding communities by maintaining a strong manufacturing base and developing quality employment.”
South Dakota manufacturers make up $4.16 billion of the state’s Gross Domestic Product and produce more than $881 million in taxable sales each year. Each year, South Dakota manufacturers export nearly $1.47 billion in South Dakota-made products to approximately 140 countries worldwide.
For information on statewide events celebrating the strength of South Dakota manufacturing, visit sdreadytopartner.com/sdmfgweek.aspx.
