Local companies express concern for future supply, work force needs

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Local companies are bracing for possible supply chain issues and manufacturing backups.

“We were kind of out in front of the supply needs, but coming into next year I’m sure we’ll run into some of the headwinds related to machine availability for sure,” said Sid Houdek, the General Manager for RDO Equipment Company.

To hear those concerns, Representative Dusty Johnson paid a visit to RDO and RESPEC in Rapid City.

Johnson took the time to see demonstrations on new technology advancements and tour each company’s facilities.

RDO only has a few job openings at its Rapid City location, but the company is hoping to fill over 60 positions in the region.

“We have truck drivers, parts people, admin people, sales, but service folks and service repair people are normally the biggest, hardest group to fill,” said Houdek.

RESPEC is trying to alleviate issues with a growing demand for renewable energy. They want to bring to light a need for meeting the demand in the right way.

“As we embrace these new technologies and renewable energy we also have to be conscientious of, we have to take advantage of our natural resources and really be good stewards of the environment,” said Todd Kenner, the CEO of RESPEC.

Representative Johnson says he’s taking aim at the issue, lobbying for a more skilled workforce. His push, acknowledging the need for a bigger emphasis on skills job training.

“There is a need for unskilled jobs throughout the state, but they’re also, there’s a need for skilled jobs and you’re not just going to be able to take somebody off their couch and put them to work as a service tech here at RDO. Training and education needs to be a part of that story,” Rep. Johnson said.