Businesses Benefit By Serving Oil Industry

It seems oil will be a big part of Western North Dakota's economic future, but it's not just oil ...  More »

It seems oil will be a big part of Western North Dakota's economic future, but it's not just oil drilling companies that are enjoying the increase in oil activity... There are many oil related businesses growing right along with the industry. Donnell Preskey has more as we continue our week-long series, OilDakota Gold... (Donnell Preskey) Oil production in North Dakota is looking to surpass a record set in the 80s. I met up with two businesses who are feeling the pace accelerate. Steffes Incorporated has completely changed their business. They have gone from making storage bins for grain to storage for oil. Their oil tanks hold 400 barrels of oil you see them at well sites. The tanks start from a 38 foot long piece of sheet metal that's formed into rings and welded together. Steffes has manufactured about 500 tanks so far and the orders keep coming in. North of Killdeer we catch up with Missouri Basin Well Service. They're bringing water to the rig to help in the drilling process. They've doubled their trucks adding 40 in the last year. Duane Jesch says he remembers the oil boom and bust but says this time it's different. (Duane Jesch) This seems more stable than it was then, think way Bakken play is playing out in ND, we have to increase it to take care of these operators. That's what we plan to do - is keep growing with the industry. Both business say they'll keep growing as long as they find enough workers. Businesses that focus on leasing mineral rights for oil companies have also boomed. Steve Pine with Great Northern Energy in Bismarck says five years ago he had to leave the state to find work today he's back and employs 25 people. Pine says 5 years ago there were maybe 100 land men today there are around 400. Donnell will have more on this story tonight at ten.  « Less