EVANSTON, Ill., Jan. 25, 2011 — (PRNewswire) — Industrial employment in South Dakota remained virtually unchanged over the past twelve months according to the 2011 South Dakota Manufacturers Register, an industrial directory published annually by Manufacturers' News, Inc. (MNI) Evanston, IL.  MNI reports South Dakota lost just 470 industrial jobs between November 2009 and November 2010, less than a quarter of the employment loss MNI reported for the 2008-2009 survey period.

Manufacturers' News reports South Dakota is now home to 1,360 manufacturers employing 47,718 workers.

"South Dakota hasn't been hit as hard as many other states, partially because of its strong agricultural base," says Tom Dubin, President of Manufacturers' News.  "Fortunately, land cannot be outsourced.  The state's strong exports and favorable business climate have also helped with the recovery."

Bright spots for the state included the opening of several new plants such as Bar-Sto's firearms plant in Sturgis; TDI's arms accessories facility in Rapid City; and Anderson Seed Co.'s sunflower processing plant in Redfield.  Companies planning expansions included L&M Radiator in Yankton; vehicle manufacturer Dakota Bodies in Watertown; Metrix LLC, also in Watertown; and medical supply manufacturer UltiMed Inc., in De Smet.

MNI reports food products manufacturing saw a 2.1% employment increase, and currently ranks as the state's largest industrial sector by employment with 8,762 jobs.  Second-ranked industrial machinery and equipment declined 3.4%, and currently employs 6,488, while lumber and wood, the state's third largest industrial sector with 4,153 jobs, increased employment by 2.4% over the year.  

Sectors that lost jobs over the year included electronics, down 9.6%; primary metals down 8.3%; transportation equipment down 7.2% and printing/publishing down 5.4%.  Jobs remained steady in textiles/apparel; fabricated metals; and stone/clay/glass, while gains were seen in chemicals, up 6.5% and furniture/fixtures, up 2.4%.  

Manufacturers' News reports the Southeast region of the state accounts for the most industrial employment with 25,376 jobs, down 2.4% over the year.  The Northeast region is home to 16,427 jobs, with no significant employment change reported, while the Southwest accounts for 4,160 jobs, virtually unchanged over the year.  The Northwest is home to 1,755 jobs, down 3.3%, according to MNI.

MNI's city data shows Sioux Falls is South Dakota's top city for manufacturing employment, home to 12,182 jobs, up 1.2% over the year.  Second-ranked Brookings accounts for 5,147 jobs, down 4.3%. Industrial employment in Rapid City remained unchanged over the year and  is currently home to 3,558 industrial workers.  Watertown accounts for 3,241 industrial jobs, up 1.9%, while Yankton accounts for 2,855 jobs, down 8.6%.

Detailed profiles of South Dakota's 1,360 manufacturers and 231 industrial distributors can be found in the 2011 South Dakota Manufacturers Register, available in print for $75 and on CD-ROM from $91.  Each profile provides up to 30 facts, including vital contact information (phone, web, e-mail), 5,083 executives by name and title, product(s) manufactured, annual sales, number of employees, and more.  Visitors to mnileads.com may generate custom profiles of manufacturers using thirteen different criteria, including area or zip code, county, SIC, sales volume, number of employees, and more.

Manufacturers' News, Inc., publisher of manufacturers' directories since 1912, compiles and produces manufacturing guides, statistics and databases for all 50 states.  MNI also maintains IndustryNet.com, an industrial search engine designed specifically for locating manufacturers and suppliers nationwide.  For more information, contact Manufacturers' News, Inc., 1633 Central St., Evanston, IL, 60201, 847-864-7000, FAX 847-332-1100.  

SOURCE Manufacturers' News, Inc.