Area Development
American Engineered Products, an Elko, Minnesota-based company that manufactures telescoping flagpoles and slot machine bases, plans to relocate its manufacturing facilities to De Smet, South Dakota, a city of almost 2,000 residents along US 14 in the eastern part of the state.

AEP will move into a building in the De Smet Industrial Park that was previously occupied by CMI Inc., which has constructed a larger building there to fit its needs.

"We wanted to move to a mid-sized community in South Dakota that would enable us to significantly reduce our monthly production costs," said Audrey Saylor, vice president of operations for AEP. "De Smet proved to have what we were searching for with an available building and a progressive, spirited community. It is also an ideal setting to raise our two daughters."

"American Engineered Products' decision to set up shop in our state is a testament to South Dakota's business-friendly environment," said Gov. Dennis Daugaard. "More and more employers are getting the word that South Dakota is a great place to do business, has a quality workforce and offers an impressive style of life." AEP plans to begin operations in De Smet by Nov. 1, with plans to hire 15 to 20 employees in De Smet.

While incentives offered the firm were not immediately available, Rita Anderson, director, De Smet Development Corporation said,"We have enjoyed working with American Engineered Products personnel to make it possible to bring their manufacturing operation to De Smet. They are a top-notch, innovative business and are going to add greatly to De Smet's industrial park and our community. I'm pleased that our joint vision with the company is about to become a reality."