Vermillion, SD—U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today highlighted the continued economic growth in South Dakota during a tour of the new Builders Choice manufacturing facility in Vermillion. The business opened its doors in November and hired 30 workers, with plans to increase hiring throughout the year.

“Even with a tough national economy, South Dakota has always been open for business. The decision to bring Builder’s Choice to Vermillion is proof of that. This is good news for the local economy and means dozens of new jobs in our state,” said Johnson.

Builders Choice is an Alaska-based company that manufactures modular homes, a process by which new homes are constructed at the facility, broken down to large components and shipped to be reassembled at their final location. The company has constructed homes for many North Dakota communities following the ongoing oil boom, which has increased demand for housing in the state.

Last month, Builders Choice held a ribbon cutting for its new 45,000 square-foot warehouse in Vermillion. The company has already brought 30 new jobs to the community and is expected to add as many as 30 new jobs over the next year. 

“Although our state hasn’t been hit as hard as some others during this downturn, there is still room to grow our economy. Bringing new businesses like Builders Choice to South Dakota will keep momentum going and help strengthen this recovery,” continued Johnson.  

According to the most recent statistics released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics at the U.S. Department of Labor, South Dakota’s unemployment rate has fallen to 4.3 percent, the lowest level since January of 2009. 

Johnson was joined on the tour by Steve Howe, Director, Vermillion Chamber and Economic Development Corp.; Mark Larson, President, Builders Choice Inc. and Greg Stirn, Vermillion Plant Manager, Builders Choice Inc.

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