Area Development
Polaris Industries Inc., a firm that designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles, will invest nearly $10 million to expand at its Parts, Garments and Accessories Distribution Center in Vermillion, South Dakota. The company plans a significant investment to install new material handling systems along with technology and equipment upgrades.

Built in 1997, the 385,000-square-foot Vermillion Distribution Center, in the southeastern part of The Mount Rushmore State, employs 150 workers and supplies more than 60,000 PG&A products to 130 countries, dealers and distributors.

The investment is necessary to help the company keep pace with increased demand and reinforce the long-term viability of the Vermillion operation, the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development said. “Polaris Industries Inc.’s decision to invest in its Vermillion facility speaks volumes to South Dakota’s strong business climate,” said Governor Dennis Daugaard. “Whenever we can use our programs to assist a company during its expansion, I am pleased to do so.”

“We are grateful to the city of Vermillion and the state of South Dakota for their support as we invest in our shared future,” said Steve Eastman, Vice President of Parts, Garments and Accessories, Polaris. “These improvements will create efficiencies that notably enhance the throughput of our Vermillion Distribution Center. This investment is a sign of our joint commitment to this facility, this community and a strong and vibrant workforce.”

The Board of Economic Development approved Polaris for funding through the Reinvestment Payment Program to assist in offsetting some of the upfront costs associated with the improvements. The company also received a Workforce Development grant for employee training. In addition, the city of Vermillion and the Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Company are partnering to offer up additional funding in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development programs.