3M Plans $468 Million Health Care Facility Expansion

Chemical manufacturer 3M plans to invest up to $468 million to expand its health care facility in Brookings, SD, over the next three years, the state announced.

The company also plans a health care business spinoff by the end of 2023.

“3M’s continued investment in South Dakota speaks volumes for our state. This tremendous pledge to their Brookings’ location will be a big win to the community as it will provide additional quality jobs and will continue to promote economic development growth for years to come,” said Chris Schilken, commissioner, Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

The expansion will come in phases, with the first $158 million expansion phase adding 200,000 sq. ft of manufacturing space, as well as lab and office space, in addition to 16 shipping docks and an 8,000-slot warehouse.

It will also create more jobs in the Brookings area.

The plant, which has more than 1,000 employees currently, manufactures medical, surgical, and food safety products, including sterilized dressings and surgical tape, drapes, cold/hot packs, and biological indicators.

“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 US and around the world,” said James Burkhardt, 3M Brookings plant director. “We want to thank the state of South Dakota and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development for their collaboration.”

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.