“Your Future’s So Bright You Gotta Wear Shades,” the first annual Welding Career Day, held April 30 at Masaba in Vermillion, S.D., was a huge success.

Masaba welcomed area high school and technical school students to this open house and even invited community members who are interested in the welding career to stop by and visit with Masaba representatives, and tour the facility. More than 30 attendees enjoyed a tour, one on one question and answer sessions and even a refreshment break.

After its current expansion at Masaba, the need to find qualified welders is a daily job for the human resources office at Masaba Inc. “Exposing the many career opportunities available at Masaba is just one of the ideas behind this event,” said Human Resources Manager Wendy Sommervold. “We have a lot to offer here at Masaba and in Vermillion and we want to showcase the career opportunities in welding and not just the traditional job offerings.”

The event also featured representatives from area technical schools to speak with interested students on the value of getting an education to prepare them for the manufacturing world. Josh Svatos of RTEC in Yankton, S.D.; Perry Nelson of WITCC from Sioux City, Iowa; and Joshua Christopher and Trevor Arnold of Mitchel Technical Institute, Mitchell, S.D. were on hand to visit with those interested in learning more about their programs.

Stan Miller of the South Dakota Department of Labor also was on hand to answer questions about careers and placements available in the Vermillion area. “Welding can be a very lucrative career path for many students who are undecided about their future plans,” said Sommervold “and Masaba wanted to share that message with attendees.”

Masaba employees were on hand to show students and community members the many aspects of welding that Masaba utilizes “We really take pride in making equipment that lasts and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance once it gets in the field,” Masaba President Jerad Higman said. ’Strength You Can Depend On’ comes from the quality workmanship we have come to expect from our employees.”

About Masaba

Masaba, Inc is an aggregate and mining manufacturer in Vermillion, S.D. Harold Higman Sr. founded Higman Sand and Gravel in 1939 in Akron, Iowa. He designed much of his own equipment. His son, Harold Higman Jr. officially formed Masaba in 1962. His son Jerad Higman took over Masaba in 1999. In 2005 he moved the manufacturing location to Vermillion, S.D.

In 2008 Masaba expanded globally by adding a Canadian location. Markets served now include: mining, aggregate, agriculture, ports and inland waterways, industrial, power plants, pulp and paper, wood chips and specialty minerals.

For more information, call 605/624-9555 or visit www.masabainc.com.

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