BROOKINGS, S.D.(KJJQ)- 3M announces a multimillion-dollar expansion of its Brookings plant.

Over the next three years, 3M will potentially invest up to $468 million. Brookings Economic Development Corporation CEO Tim Reed says it will begin with a nearly 160-million dollar investment.

Reed says the plans include additional growth in the future.

3M Brookings broke ground in 1969 and is the company’s first and largest health care manufacturing facility. The plant currently employs more than 1,000 people. They had been planning reductions.

Brookings Plant Director James Burkhardt says 3M is proud to have been a part of Brookings for more than 50 years. He says this expansion will help Brookings and 3M support their employees in making health care products used in the U.S. and around the world.

Brookings Mayor Ope Niemeyer says the City will consider using Tax Increment Financing and sales tax rebates to invest in the 3M expansion.