CHAMBERLAIN -- An international ammunition manufacturer has plans to relocate a production and research facility at Chamberlain, creating as many as two dozen jobs in the Brule County town.
A-Square Company, LLC, will relocate its non-ferrous manufacturing division from Bedford, Ky., to Chamberlain by this spring. The division conducts research into product development and produces cartridge cases, bullets and ammunition that are exported around world.
The company specializes in ammunition for big game and safari hunting, ranging from 7 mm to the .577 "Tyrannosaur."
The company's rifle production division also is being relocated, to Glenrock, Wyo.
Arthur B. Alphin, the company's founder and chief designer, said he decided during the summer to split into two divisions and relocate both to western locations.
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After looking at various towns in Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota, he determined Chamberlain was the correct choice, thanks to "the sincerity, the honesty (and) the professionalism" of its residents.
"Chamberlain may be a small town but from the beginning, they were walking large," he said. "We need those people that are inspired, serious ... and take pride in what they do. Chamberlain really stood out."
Alphin said he will need a minimum of 10,000 square feet to house equipment. With the assistance of the Lake Francis Case Development Corporation, he is considering two existing buildings in Chamberlain. If neither site seems suitable, Alphin said he will construct a new building.
The creation of 24 jobs is exciting to Alphin, who will be one of two current staff members to relocate to Chamberlain. He plans to work with the South Dakota Career Center to find applicants, who will start at a minimum of $10 per hour.
Alphin hopes to start production on March 31.
Chamberlain City Engineer Greg Powell said both the city and Lake Francis Case Development Corporation provided incentive packages to the ASquare Company, although he would not give specific details. Powell said state government is providing loan funds through the REDI program to acquire property.
Mayor Doug Nelson said it was exciting to be part of an announcement that would so strongly affect the future of Chamberlain as well as South Dakota overall.
"I'm proud ... that even a small community such as Chamberlain can compete and succeed in the competitive economic development arena," he said. "We are bursting at the seams with the excitement of this announcement."
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Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard spoke during the announcement ceremony at the South Dakota Hall of Fame and credited the people of Chamberlain with providing a welcoming atmosphere for the company.
"Chamberlain stood out because (of) the sincerity and the enthusiasm of the welcome that was given," he said. "You really did this."
Approximately 60 people attended the announcement ceremony.
