Many parts within a clock are needed to make it work: gears, wheels, pulleys, weights and other components are a necessity in the clock’s function. Yankton is much like this clock, our numerous manufacturing plants essential in our town’s operation. According to the Yankton Chamber of Commerce website www.yanktonsd.com, manufacturing is one of four top major industries in Yankton, making up over 18% of our community’s workforce, more than double the national average of 9% (www.nam.org). Approximately 26 businesses in Yankton are classified as manufacturers.

Because manufacturing contributes to 10% of South Dakota’s workforce, in 2014 Governor Dennis Daugaard established S.D. Manufacturing Week, celebrated the end of September culminating with National Manufacturer’s Day on October 3. We celebrate the occasion this year from September 28–October 3. These events were created to raise awareness of what manufacturing does for our community and encourage other communities to participate.

While manufacturing companies play an important role in our community, their employees are exceptionally vital to the success of the organization. With employees driven by Midwestern culture and strong work ethic, it’s no wonder why so many manufacturing companies flourish in our territory. Behind the scenes of these complex operations are numerous dedicated, diligent women with many years of experience. Reaching out to some of our manufacturing companies in Yankton, I wanted to recognize some of the devoted women working behind the scenes.

Applied Engineering

“Applied Engineering specializes in the precision machining of aluminum components for a wide range of applications including: military and commercial communications systems, aerospace applications, defense, medical and archery,” as explained by Bridget Benson, HR Specialist.

I came upon three women at Applied Engineering that have a total of 63 years of employment among them. Roxanne Johnson, Quality Tech, has been with Applied for 26 years; Julie Kirchner, Quality Assurance Inspector, 23 years and Valerie Novak, Shipping & Wrapping Team Lead, 14 years. All three got their start with the company after becoming interested through a friend’s suggestion or employment advertisement. They have many hobbies among them, Johnson enjoys reading and taking long, scenic drives around the lake while Kirchner likes camping and boating and enjoys spending time with her family, kids and grandson. Novak enjoys planting flowers, snagging paddlefish, writing poetry and especially loves cooking a great meal to host her family so she can spend time with them, her favorite hobby.

Baldwin Filters

Baldwin Filters began in 1936 in Wisconsin by J.A. Baldwin, after he recognized the importance of improving mobile filtration and designed a better lube filter. The manufacturing operation was moved to the Midwest in 1953, became recognized internationally and became part of CLARCOR, a diversified group of manufacturing companies in 1981. Baldwin Filters came to Yankton when the company bought out Hastings Premium Filters in 1995.

Janelle Ekeren has been with Baldwin Filters for 30 years. Starting in assembly, she worked in a variety of departments over the years and is now a Machine Operator. She takes time outside of work to spend with family and friends and travels to see her kids. A bit of a foodie, she enjoys baking, cooking and grilling.

Robin Sparks, Quality Assurance, started with Baldwin Filters 28 years ago. She got her start with the company through a friend already employed there who suggested she submit an application. A bargain hunter, she hits flea markets and garage sales in her spare time, fitting in some reading and crafting when she can.

Lewis & Clark Hydraulics

Lewis & Clark Hydraulics is a division of Prince Manufacturing Corporation in North Sioux City, SD, currently employing 44 people on two shifts. Manufacturing small bore welded cylinders, some for John Deere, Kubota and Caterpillar, they use technology such as robotic welding and CNC machining.

I came across three ladies who have all been with this company since it opened May of 1998 in Yankton: Shelly Anderson, Quality Control Supervisor, Jamie Ryken, Lead Person in the Assembly Department and Shelly Tweedy, Human Resource Manager. All of them shared the same idea seventeen years ago when they decided to apply at the new company coming to Yankton. These ladies devote some time to their hobbies; Anderson is a home improvement enthusiast who also enjoys reading and baking. Ryken keeps busy by playing volleyball throughout the year, co-ed softball in the summer and squeezing in camping with family and friends. Tweedy enjoys the outdoors also, biking, hiking and canoeing and takes time to read when she can.

TruXedo, Inc

Since the introduction of the Original TruXedo in 2000, TruXedo, Inc. has led the industry with new and innovative tonneau cover concepts that emphasize style, quality, durability and functionality (www.truxedo.com).

Sue Heese, Sewing Supervisor, has been with Truxedo for 13 years. She started on the night shift as a sewer when they were still a part of ShurCo. ShurCo sold the Tonneau cover department which became Truxedo and Heese has been with them ever since. She enjoys cooking, gardening, working in her yard, photography, traveling and motorcycle riding with her husband.

Vishay Dale Electrocics

Vishay Dale Electronics is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components. Their components are used in virtually all types of electronic devices and equipment, including industrial, computer, automotive, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, power supplies and medical markets. According to Bernie LeCates, Human Resource Manager, “Vishay is not only a local company with local people working here, but our work has a profound effect in the world today as we are the main division for the ‘inductors’ sector worldwide. Many of our employees visit our other sites in China, Israel and Mexico regularly.”

Because Vishay Dale has many tenured employees, it was hard to pick a select few. Instead we gathered together seven of them with a combined 301 years of experience! That’s an average of 43 years per person! I’ll admit I think that’s quite admirable and quite the accomplishment if someone can commit to an organization for so many years.

My recruits from Vishay Dale and their time with the company are as follows: Ardyth Ament, Assembler II, 52 years this November; Donna Bruening, Purchasing Manager, 38 years; Helen Ekeren, Assembly worker, 51 years; Robin Goeden, Sr. Production Supervisor, 40 years; Karen Kuchta, Planning Supervisor, 36 years; Vickie Rose, Assembler II & certified solderer, nearly 44 years and Carol Tweedy, Logistics Clerk, 40 years.

These women got their start with Vishay Dale for various reasons, Ament was interested in working for a manufacturing plant, Goeden and her husband recently moved back to Yankton, Rose opted for the company because of the location close to her hometown, and the others applied after seeing an employment advertisement.

These hard-working women do more than spend their time at the company, though. They each have a variety of hobbies and share some common interests. Spending time with family, friends and grandchildren is a favorite hobby to many. Ament and Ekeren like to work with flowers while Bruening and Goeden enjoy gardening. Ament watches birds from her windows, Bruening likes boating and refinishing antiques and Ekeren enjoys attending all of her grandchildren’s events. Goeden likes crafting, Kuchta enjoys camping and walking and Rose likes to sew and put together puzzles in the winter. Rose also creates jewelry, designing it and making it herself. And Tweedy? Judging from the happy faces on her interview sheet that she completed for me, she’s a happy-spirited person, enjoying reading, walking and riding bike.

With such a mix of talented and committed employees, our manufacturing companies are sure to succeed and flourish. My husband works in manufacturing and I have gotten the privilege to meet many remarkable women and make wonderful friends. Manufacturing week gives everyone a chance to visit these organizations and meet their hard-working employees. Let’s take this opportunity to make some new friends!