BROOKINGS, S.D.(KJJQ)- The wet and windy weather Friday drove the groundbreaking inside for the
expansion of the Brookings 3M plant but it didn’t put a damper on the celebration.

This $158 million dollar expansion is the first phase of planned growth at the plant.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was among those taking part.

Jeff Lavers is group president of 3M’s health care business. He says the Brookings facility is 3M’s oldest and largest health care plant.

3M’s health care division is becoming a stand-alone, publicly traded company. And Lavers says Brookings will be a key part of it.

The Brookings 3M plant was built in 1969.