Marmen Energy Invests $1 Million in Southeast Technical College Welding Labs

Southeast Technical College and the STC Foundation have received a $1 million commitment from Marmen Energy to support upgrades to welding labs in the to-be-constructed James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing and in the Ed Wood Trade and Industry Center.

The investment comes after a recent visit from Marmen Energy’s leadership team, who traveled from Quebec and spent time at the company’s Brandon facility and with STC faculty and staff. While Marmen Energy has supported the college in the past, this generous contribution represents a significant step forward in the partnership.

“This donation marks a continued confidence in our programs and in the talent of our students,” said Cory Clasemann, president, STC. “We are grateful for Marmen Energy's commitment and the impact it will have on our facilities, our students and the future of workforce preparation in our region.”

The updated welding labs will give students more access to industry-standard equipment and learning environments that reflect what they’ll see on the job. That’s been a priority for STC’s welding program, where faculty have worked closely with Marmen Energy over the years to align training with real workforce needs.

“Supporting our community and education has always been a core priority at Marmen Energy. Our partnership with Southeast Tech is especially meaningful because it strengthens our ties with the academic community and helps bridge the gap between training and the workforce,” said Vincent Trudel, president and CEO, Marmen Energy. “Through this collaboration, we’re helping develop programs aligned with industry needs, growing a highly skilled talent pipeline, and supporting the company’s long-term success.”

For students, the impact will be immediate—better facilities, more opportunities to practice their craft, and a clearer path into high-demand careers. For the region, it means a stronger pipeline of skilled workers ready to contribute to local industry.

Media Coverage

• Sioux Falls Live - Marmen Energy gifts $1M to Southeast Tech’s welding labs
• KELO AM - Southeast Technical College receives million dollar gift for Abdnor Center