Press Room > 2004 :

South Dakota Native Brings Business Home

RELEASE DATE: Thursday, June 17, 2004

For More Information Contact: Mary Lehecka Nelson, 773-3301

Pierre, SD – A South Dakota native is bringing his business home, Gov. Mike Rounds said today, June 17, when he announced that Precision Blending, Inc. (PBI) is expanding its operations to Spearfish, a move which will create 15 jobs in the next three years.

The company president, Dan Carlbom, is a native of Interior and a graduate of South Dakota State University. “A big part of the state’s 2010 Initiative is to find opportunities for our young adults to live and work in South Dakota,” Gov. Rounds said. “Dan’s decision to move back to South Dakota is a wonderful testimony that there are opportunities in our state,” he added.

The company, currently located in Murtaugh, ID, provides dry blending of food powders for customers in the cheese industry and Manufacturers of nutritional drinks and high energy bars. “The expansion of PBI is key in Spearfish’s effort to diversify its economy. By attracting companies that fill a unique niche, this community is really positioning itself for future success,” Gov. Rounds said.

Bryan Walker, executive director, Spearfish Economic Development Corporation, said his organization is excited about this new opportunity for the community. “This deal really came together as result of the cooperation between the city, state, SEDC and company officials,” he said. “What we find most exciting about PBI’s expansion is that it provides additional opportunities which allow young families to stay in the area,” he added.

“PBI is excited about the opportunity to start another operation in Spearfish. I greatly appreciate the support given by Brian Walker and Julie Gregg in getting this project moving ahead,” said Dan Carlbom, president, PBI. “The support and excitement given by the economic development corp. of Spearfish and the State of South Dakota were truly instrumental in us deciding to locate in Spearfish,” he added.

Carlbom said the company could have located elsewhere, but chose Spearfish for a number of reasons. “We are counting on building a great team in Spearfish that will allow us to grow in a friendly business climate of South Dakota. I am personally motivated to make this venture work since I am originally from South Dakota and hope to be able to grow with the community in a cooperative atmosphere that will be mutually beneficial,” Carlbom concluded.

PBI’s expansion includes constructing a 14,000 square foot building in the Spearfish Industrial Park. Construction is already underway.