July 12, 2023

3M plans to invest up to $468 million in its Brookings operation over the next three years.

The first phase, a $158 million addition, includes 16 additional shipping docks, an 8,000-slot warehouse, 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space, as well as laboratory and office space.

3M Brookings broke ground in 1969 and is the company’s first and largest health care manufacturing facility. Since production started in 1971, there have been several expansions. The plant is currently 667,000 square feet and employs more than 1,000 people making hundreds of medical and surgical products.

“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 U.S. and around the world,” James Burkhardt, 3M Brookings plant director, said in a statement.

The city of Brookings is considering incentivizing the project using tax increment financing and sales tax rebates, Mayor Oepke “Ope” Niemeyer said.

“The City Council and I consider 3M an asset to Brookings. We’re pleased that 3M is part of Brookings, and we’re proud to help support its growth and sustainability in our vibrant community,” Niemeyer said. “The city’s commitment to be an inclusive community makes Brookings a welcoming, supportive and engaging place for all businesses and people to find the foundations for success.”

It’s not uncommon for 3M employees to spend a 40-year career in Brookings and retire there, he said.

“These employees contribute to the economic engine and overall well-being of Brookings and our surrounding towns,” he said. “They are our family, friends and neighbors, and they benefit our communities in countless ways.”

The Brookings plant runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“3M has long been an outstanding corporate citizen, and we are excited that the company has once again chosen Brookings for another multimillion-dollar investment,” Brookings Economic Development Corporation CEO Tim Reed said. “The Brookings Economic Development Corporation works closely with the city of Brookings and other economic development partners to ensure Brookings is an excellent place to do business. We’re proud to support 3M in its plans to expand in our community.”

The hope is to break ground this fall on the first phase, he said.

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