Workforce Training at GCCC Planned in Preparation for Construction of Empirical Foods Production Plant

GCCC

[Garden City, KS] Dec. 24 2019 – Empirical, headquartered in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, has announced construction of a new facility in Finney County.  Planning is underway for the company to build a state-of-the-art production plant.

According to Lona DuVall, President/CEO of Finney County Economic Development Corporation, “Our school districts and community college were instrumental in our recruitment of this project. Their willingness to partner to provide training opportunities that will ensure Empirical has access to a top-performing workforce is invaluable.”

USD 363 (Holcomb), USD 457 (Garden City), and Garden City Community College have worked diligently with Empirical to create a customized workforce education program in the newly formed Advanced Food Manufacturing pathway. Dr. Ryan Ruda, President of Garden City Community College, is enthusiastic about the new program. “We’re excited to have this opportunity to partner with Finney County’s school districts. This is just one more example of how we are working together to provide for a world-class workforce here in Finney County. The additional career opportunities that Empirical offers for our residents are welcomed.”

Empirical announced plans to employ around 300 full-time employees at this location and construction is expected to take 2-3 years. “This construction period provides a great window to ramp up the Advanced Food Manufacturing pathway and build the talent pipeline necessary to fill vital roles within the new production plant,” said Ruda.

Plans are underway now to recruit a full-time instructor for the Industrial Maintenance Program, which is a critical component of the Advanced Food Manufacturing Pathway. For more information about this opportunity, visit the Employment Opportunities page of the Garden City Community College website.