Frances Halsey doesn't think of herself as a factory worker she's in the business of saving lives.

Halsey is one of about 110 people who work at Sioux Manufacturing Corporation in Fort Totten. The company makes protective armor for soldiers, tanks, ships and aircraft. It's owned by the Spirit Lake Sioux tribe in northeastern North Dakota.

Officials say business has been booming since the war in Iraq began. They even had to add a third shift to keep up with orders.

Lori Brown is the controller at the plant. She says all but three percent of the plant's business comes from government contracts. Brown says the huge spike in orders during a time of war is bittersweet.

The five-thousand member tribe has about 20 members serving in the military. Ten are fighting in Iraq. Halsey says it feels good knowing the factory workers are serving their country. | save this article / add to your favorites list