WEBSTER, S.D. - Mereen-Johnson, manufacturers of heavy-duty industrial woodworking machinery, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of its expanded manufacturing facility. The ceremony was attended by South Dakota's U.S. Representative Kristi Noem. 

 

"This expansion, which grows our manufacturing facility by 20 percent, will allow us to meet the increasing demand for our machines across the country and around the world," said Paul Wilmes, Mereen-Johnson CEO. "It also demonstrates our strong commitment to the City of Webster, Day County and the State of South Dakota."

 

Mereen-Johnson makes heavy-duty woodworking equipment and has been headquartered in Minneapolis since 1905. The company opened its "Western Division" in Webster in 1973. The Webster location has grown over the years, and in 2006 Mereen-Johnson consolidated all of its manufacturing in Webster.

 

Over the past five years, Mereen-Johnson has more than doubled both its sales and its workforce in Webster.

 

"Not only will we increase our capacity, but we will also increase our efficiencies with the additional space," said Mark Pearson, Mereen-Johnson plant manager. "This will allow us to better compete on the global stage."

 

"As someone who's run a family farm and small businesses, I know just how tough it is to keep a place going year after year, but Mereen-Johnson has done that in Webster for more than 40 years," said Representative Noem. "I am thrilled to see the continued investments Mereen-Johnson is making, not only in the expansion of their Webster facility, but also in their commitment to workforce development. It's exciting to see companies like this grow and create economic opportunity for South Dakotans."