Masaba opened a new 147,500-sq.-ft. metal fabrication and office facility in Vermillion, South Dakota with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The new building, located adjacent to Masaba’s existing 211,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility, includes 120,000 sq. ft. of fabrication space and 27,500 sq. ft. of offices and ancillary areas. More than $15 million in new equipment was installed in the facility to centralize and automate steel processing.
Ground broke on the new facility in April 2024, production began in May 2025 and by September 2025, all plate and structural steel processing had fully transitioned into the space, according to Masaba. The offices, conference areas, lunchrooms, workout room and other employee-focused spaces were completed in late September.
“Masaba continues to invest in our team, our partners, the industry, our community and American manufacturing,” says Jerad Higman, Masaba founder and CEO. “This facility allows us to streamline production, expand our capacity and strengthen our ability to deliver the quality and reliability our customers expect. It’s also a commitment to Vermillion and South Dakota, where we’re proud to continue building ‘Masaba Tough’ equipment.”
Along with expanding fabrication capacity, the new facility enables Masaba to repurpose its former steel processing area into additional welding and assembly bays.
“Our new facility showcases cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence in fabrication that reflects the strength and ingenuity of American industry,” Higman says. “This landmark achievement represents years of innovation, investment and dedication by our team to advancing manufacturing in America.”
Prior to the ribbon-cutting, representatives from several area organizations and political offices offered their congratulations to Masaba. On hand were Jeff Gilbertson and Katie Heine of the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Co.; Vermillion city manager John Prescott; Joe Fiala, deputy commissioner to the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development; and Keith Moore, Southeast regional director and state director of tribal relations for South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds.
Additionally, an open house offered attendees the opportunity to tour the facility and see the new fabrication equipment and office spaces. Attendees saw some of the equipment at work as Masaba manufactured metal keepsakes, including keychains, coasters and tape dispensers – all featuring Masaba branding.
Dealers weigh in
Several Masaba dealer companies attended the open house, expressing excitement about the company’s continued growth.
A large contingent from U.S. Equipment Sales & Rentals was on hand. Bob Meyers, vice president of sales at U.S. Equipment, shared his thoughts on the opening of the new plant.
“Masaba is very good about listening to our customers and giving them what they’re looking for,” Meyers says. “Seeing this new facility helps us as a dealer get a leg up on the competition.”
Another dealer representative in attendance was Jared Riley of ICM Solutions. Riley says it is reassuring as a dealer to see the dedication and investment Masaba has made to produce quality equipment.
“They are a very good partner,” Riley says. “They support us when we’re selling the equipment as well as supporting us afterward. They’re good about giving us the support we need to help our customers.”
