3M and South Dakota leaders gathered for an official celebration of the expansion of 3M Brookings, with 3M investing up to $468 million over the next three years.

Gov. Kristi Noem, U.S. Sen. John Thune, U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, State Sen. Tim Reed and State Rep. Melissa Heerman were among the South Dakota officials who joined 3M leaders in marking the milestone.

“South Dakota has had historic growth over the last few years, but we aren’t the kind of people to say ‘good enough,’” said Governor Kristi Noem. “I am continuing to work with my Office of Economic Development to make sure that our state keeps on thriving for our kids and grandkids. 3M’s commitment to South Dakota shows that our work ethic, our business climate, and our prioritization of freedom above all else makes us the best state in the nation for businesses of all shapes and sizes. I am looking forward to the expansion efforts that will be taking place in the Brookings area.”

“We are pleased to announce this expansion and continued investment in our growth in health care manufacturing at 3M Brookings,” said Jeffrey Lavers, Group President of 3M’s Health Care Business Group. “We want to thank the state of South Dakota and our partners in government for their partnership.”

The work has begun with a $158 million expansion of the plant this year, including 16 additional shipping docks, an 8,000-slot warehouse, 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space, and additional lab and office space.

“3M is proud to have been a part of the growing community of Brookings for more than 50 years. This expansion will help Brookings and 3M support our great employees in making health care products used in the U.S. and around the world,” said James Burkhardt, 3M Brookings plant director.

3M Brookings broke ground in 1969 and is the company’s first and largest health care manufacturing facility. The plant is 667,000 square feet and employs more than 1,000 people making hundreds of medical and surgical products

State Sen. Tim Reed, and Brookings’ Economic Development Corporation CEO said he is thrilled that 3M chose Brookings for the expansion.

“3M’s reach in the community goes beyond the quality jobs they provide. They are also a great corporate citizen as evident by the 3Mgives program that provides grants, donations and volunteer hours to benefit local partners,” he said.

3M Brookings broke ground in 1969 and is the company’s first and largest health care manufacturing facility. The plant is 667,000 square feet and employs more than 1,000 people making hundreds of medical and surgical products.