Freedom Works Here.
Sitting just off US Hwy 14 in Philip is an unassuming white building that could be any number of businesses. However, tucked inside this massive location is Scotchman Industries, the creator of world-famous ironworkers.
Started in the mid-1950s, Arthur Kroetch began Art’s Salvage in Philip and within two years Kroetch was manufacturing a cattle insecticide applicator. Sixty-five years later, Scotchman Industries may have pivoted their products, but the company is still going strong, and today is the oldest hydraulic worker manufacturer in the world.
With 65 employees, Scotchman keeps busy producing ironworkers, saws, pipe notchers, and hydraulic presses which are then sent around the world.
Art’s son and current owner Jerry Kroetch said he is proud of the business.
“If you work with metal, you have a need for the products we produce. There is very little we don’t do ourselves,” he said.
As the largest ironworker manufacturer in North America, Kroetch said the best thing about owning a business in the small town of Philip is the people.
“I have the very best employees. They are extremely loyal and work hard. I can’t say enough good about them,” he said. “And South Dakota is great. There is no state income tax. There is no better way of life.”
As for the business itself, Kroetch said it is all about the customers, as they continue to sell machines every single day.
“And then, the best thing is that I get to see the world and I get to come home to Philip,” he noted.
