Raven Industries, Inc. : Raven Industries to Open Research and Development Facility on the Campus of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Raven Industries to Open Research and Development Facility on the Campus of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Jan. 11, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Raven Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:RAVN) will open a research and development facility in February, 2012 on the campus of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, South Dakota to help support the growth plans of Raven's four divisions and develop a source for recruiting new talent. Raven will start by inhabiting approximately 2,000 square feet at the existing Black Hills Business Development Center, which is currently home to a range of businesses from large nationally known companies like Caterpillar to small one person start-up companies. Initially, Raven plans to fill three full-time positions and six part-time intern positions to work on electronic design and software programming, as well as mechanical projects relating to precision agriculture equipment through their Applied
Technology Division. The precision agriculture technology developed at the facility will ultimately help to feed the growing wor by improving efficiencies, accuracy and minimizing waste to produce more food on less land. As the facility expands, Raven plans to add development projects for the remaining three divisions: Electronic Systems, Engineered Films, and Aerostar.
Raven has had past success with similar research and development centers through their Austin, TX location where a team of
25 people develop products for Raven's Aerostar and Applied Technology Divisions. "The new research and development center aligns with Raven's interest in supporting South Dakota's higher education and provides rewarding engineering jobs
right here in South Dakota," said Dan Rykhus, president and CEO of Raven Industries. "We plan to take advantage of science and engineering students, post-graduate students, and graduates as well as other strong talent in the area."
"We are honored to be sought out by Raven Industries for our top-caliber engineering students. Both the company's technology backbone and reputation for its work with NASA and the military make for a natural fit here at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology," said Dr. Robert A. Wharton, president of the School of Mines. "We look forward to Raven offering practical work experiences to help further develop our students."
"The State of South Dakota is proud to support the efforts of Raven Industries and their pursuit to support higher education, provide jobs and offer real-world experience for students through their new facility on the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology campus," said South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard. "I'm pleased Raven is expanding into western South Dakota. This kind of creative partnership is just one way private industry and the state are partnering to build out our workforce."

About Raven Industries, Inc.

Since 1956, Raven Industries has designed and manufactured high-quality, high-value technical products. Raven is publicly traded on NASDAQ (RAVN) and has earned an international reputation for innovation, product quality, high performance and unmatched service. With strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and technological innovation, Raven serves the precision agriculture, high performance specialty films, aerospace, and electronic manufacturing services markets. Visit www.RavenInd.comfor more information.

CONTACT: Kristin Tilus, Public Relations Coordinator

Raven Industries

605-575-0640

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