Dec. 16, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Knife River.

Want a glimpse into the level of building activity 2025 could bring?

You’ll find it at Foundation Park in northwest Sioux Falls, where Knife River crews are supplying material to be used in building the massive Asian food production facility for CJ Schwan’s that just broke ground.

“They’re doing site work now, so we’re providing base material and gravel,” said Clark Meyer, president of Knife River South Dakota. “They’ve just started, so we’re on the very front edge of that.”

Combine a significant development like that with other anticipated building activity – the state of South Dakota’s new prison could begin construction next year, for instance – and it’s clear why Meyer is optimistic heading into the new year.

“There’s still a lot going on around town,” he said. “I think next year is going to be really strong.”

As the 2024 season winds down, Meyer also is reflecting on a solid year. After a “brutal June” with 15 days of measurable rain, the Knife River team benefited from an entirely rain-free October.

“We’re playing an outdoor sport, so weather is always a factor,” he said. “But overall, we had a really solid year. October provided a very nice boost and a good way to start wrapping up the season.”

Look at signature projects across the Sioux Falls area and you’ll see Knife River’s work.

The team supported the final stages of the multiphase Steel District and Cherapa Place projects in downtown Sioux Falls. Other major commercial projects this year included the new Orthopedic Institute at Interstate 29 and 85th Street, the South Dakota One Stop office complex at Dawley Farm Village and the Sanford Orthopedic Hospital on the campus of Sanford USD Medical Center.

Knife River also is working on both major projects underway for Avera McKennan: a new six-story women and children’s services building on the main campus and a new three-story digestive building at Avera on Louise.

Road projects have been a key driver of business activity too.

“Veterans Parkway has been huge for us,” Meyer said. “And we’re working on the I-90 interchange in Brandon supplying a lot of concrete for that.”

Knife River also grew internally in 2024, adding two ready-mix plants in Freeman and Parkston that had been owned by Paul Weidenbach of Weidenbach Concrete Works and moving a plant into the Sioux City market.

“Paul was ready to retire, and our Yankton operation had always worked closely with them,” Meyer said. ”He wanted to make sure his employees were taken care of, and he liked our culture.”

Weidenbach has stayed on with Knife River to consult and help his 10-person team integrate.

“He’s helping make sure it goes smooth, and it’s gone really, really well,” Meyer said. “He had a great team, and they’ve been an awesome addition and brought a great work ethic.”

The Sioux City plant was set up at the Knife River property off Hawkeye Drive.

“We have 140 team members in Sioux City already doing asphalt and construction, so adding ready mix to the portfolio there made sense,” Meyer said.

The plant will serve the current construction crews and customers in the market. It brings Knife River’s presence to nine ready-mix plants in this immediate market area.

“Like many businesses in the area, we’re continuing to focus on workforce to support our growth. Fortunately, with a strategic approach, we’ve continued to see a steady stream of applicants,” Meyer added.

“We offer such a competitive package for our team. People who join Knife River can’t believe the benefits.  That, combined with a big focus on safety, makes our team feel supported at work.”

To learn more about growing your career with Knife River, click here.