Gov. Larry Rhoden visits DeGeest in Tea

On Thursday, July 17, 2025, Governor Larry Rhoden visited Tea, Viborg, and Lennox as part of his Open for Opportunity tour.

Governor Rhoden highlighted the strength of South Dakota’s family-owned businesses during the tour, including DeGeest in Tea. DeGeest has become a leading resource for manufacturers seeking excellence in steel works, automation, and finishing, and the Governor toured their facilities to see their operations firsthand. 

By touring DeGeest’s 133,000 square‑foot facility—spanning fabrication, welding, finishing, and the LestaUSA Integration Center and Test Lab—Governor Rhoden saw firsthand the immediate impact of the work DeGeest employees do every day.

“We appreciate the opportunity to showcase our employees and the automation they use every day,” said Derek DeGeest, President of DeGeest and Lesta USA integrated by DeGeest. “Seeing the work we do in action makes all the difference in being able to understand the impact manufacturing has on our communities and country.”

Gov. Rhoden also attended the 2025 Danish Viking Days, joining in the celebration of Viborg’s rich Danish heritage.

In Lennox, Governor Rhoden toured Sioux Steel Company, a key contributor to the state’s thriving agricultural industry. The company manufactures grain bins, bunker walls, buildings, livestock equipment, and garden beds.

The Governor’s final stop was Wilson Trailer in Lennox, which manufactures over-the-road grain trailers and has benefited significantly from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Gov. Rhoden is pictured below with Derek DeGeest.  Photo courtesy of Josie Harms