BROOKINGS – Manufacturing Week is an annual observance to raise awareness of careers and advanced technology in the world of manufacturing. The goal is simple: to inspire and build the workforce pipeline.

Brookings Mayor Keith Corbett has proclaimed Sept. 28 – Oct. 2 as Brookings Manufacturing Week, acknowledging the industry’s role as a key driver of the Brookings area economy. 

This is the eighth consecutive year that the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and communities throughout the state have been promoting manufacturing in South Dakota through a series of weeklong events, concluding with National Manufacturing Day on the first Friday in October. 

“Manufacturing is such an important industry in Brookings County, making up 43.9% of the total annual payroll for all private businesses,” said Sarah Hauge, director of workforce development for Brookings Economic Development Corporation. “Manufacturing Week allows us to acknowledge the impact that manufacturing has on the local economy and showcase the variety of career opportunities within the industry.” 

Brookings County manufacturing facts

• Brookings County has the second-largest number of manufacturing employees in the state of South Dakota. Additionally, manufacturing is the second-largest industry in South Dakota. 

• There are 4,342 manufacturing employees in Brookings County. 

• There are 41 manufacturing businesses in Brookings County. 

• The average salary of all Brookings County manufacturing employees is $67,600. 

• Many manufacturing jobs are high-tech jobs that require some form of post-secondary education.

Throughout the week, BEDC, in collaboration with the Chamber and the city of Brookings, will share facts about the opportunities in advanced manufacturing, highlight facts about manufacturing in Brookings and showcase local companies through a social media campaign. 

For more information about Manufacturing Week or BEDC’s workforce development activities, contact Hauge at 697-8103 or by email at sarah@brookingsedc.com.