Industries in the food manufacturing sector transform livestock and agricultural products into products for intermediate or final consumption. The industry groups are distinguished by the raw materials (generally of animal or vegetable origin) processed into food products.
There are a total of 8,484 persons employed in food manufacturing, comprising 21.0 % of South Dakota's manufacturing workforce & 2.59% of South Dakota's total workforce. There are 113 business establishments in the food manufacturing sector. Important sub-sectors include; Animal slaughtering and processing (5,629 workers), Dairy product manufacturing (1,192 workers), and Bakeries and tortilla manufacturing (between 500 & 999 workers.)
Industries in the Machinery Manufacturing subsector create end products that apply mechanical force, for example, the application of gears and levers, to perform work. Some important processes for the manufacture of machinery are forging, stamping, bending, forming, and machining that are used to shape individual pieces of metal. Processes, such as welding and assembling are used to join separate parts together.
There are a total of 5,943 persons employed in machinery manufacturing, comprising 14.7 % of South Dakota's manufacturing workforce & 1.81% of South Dakota's total workforce. There are 100 business establishments in the machinery manufacturing sector. Important sub-sectors include; Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturing (2,112 workers), Construction machinery manufacturing (between 1,000 & 2,499 workers), and General purpose machinery manufacturing (1,793 workers).
Industries in the Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing subsector transform metal into intermediate or end products, other than machinery, computers and electronics, and metal furniture, or treat metals and metal formed products fabricated elsewhere.
There are a total of 3,736 persons employed in Fabricated Metal Product manufacturing, comprising 9.2 % of South Dakota's manufacturing workforce & 1.14% of South Dakota's total workforce. There are 164 business establishments in the Fabricated Metal Product manufacturing sector. Important sub-sectors include; Architectural and structural metals manufacturing (1,619 workers), Ornamental and architectural metal products manufacturing (1,139 workers), and Machine shops (711 workers).