510 jobs
25,000 sq ft.
$26 million capex
Project Sew

Today, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) are pleased to announce that Pattern plans to bring more than 500 high-paying jobs and invest nearly $26 million in Utah over the next 10 years.

“The global expansion Pattern has achieved since its beginnings here in Utah is remarkable, and we’re pleased about the addition of hundreds of new jobs to its home base,” said Ryan Starks, GOEO executive director. “Pattern continues to set the standard for market leadership and showcases the potential our Utah companies have in creating a positive impact on both the local and global economies.”

Pattern is the leader in global e-commerce and marketplace acceleration. Hundreds of global brands — including Bosch, Nestlé, Stance, TUMI, and Panasonic — rely on the company’s e-commerce acceleration platform to grow their online sales on direct-to-consumer websites, online marketplaces, and other digital channels in more than 60 countries, all while managing fulfillment and logistics.

“Utah continues to be a key component in our long-term growth strategy,” said David Wright, co-founder and CEO at Pattern. “We love the incredible talent pool, vibrant business climate, and world-class outdoor entertainment in the Beehive State. We can’t think of a better place for our global headquarters and look forward to another decade of growth.”

“Approximately one-third of EDCUtah’s active projects are Utah companies looking for their next business location, and it’s great to see another homegrown tech company stay and grow in Silicon Slopes,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “Pattern is a market leader for global e-commerce and marketplace acceleration, and its expansion is a great win for Lehi and the surrounding community.”

“Pattern exemplifies the type of technology company that Silicon Slopes is named for in the heart of Lehi,” stated Marlin Eldred, economic development director at Lehi City. “As a global leader in e-commerce, Pattern is changing the way companies are doing business. This exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that the Utah technology sector is built on. Lehi City as a partner is excited to see the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity incentivize Pattern to expand and stay in our city.”

Erin Farr, vice president of business development, led Project Sew for EDCUtah. Colliers provided brokerage services to the client.

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For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

1206 jobs
Project Unity II

Today, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity awarded Northrop Grumman a post-performance tax reduction for its expansion in Utah. The corporate incentive is part of the state’s Economic Development Tax Increment Financing program (EDTIF). As part of the agreement, Northrop Grumman projects to add over 1,200 new, high-paying jobs with a continued investment in Utah during the next 20 years.

This announcement was an incentives-focused continuation of EDCUtah’s previous Project Unity.

“We’re proud to welcome Northrop Grumman’s expansion in Utah. Our state has a strong tradition in aerospace and defense, and Northrop Grumman has had an integral role in its history,” said Gov. Cox. “Northrop Grumman is a major employer in Utah and has created many high-skilled jobs, particularly in engineering, technology, and manufacturing. Utah has a skilled and well-educated workforce in these fields, which is not only a talent pool Northrop Grumman can tap into, but they’ve also played a role in fostering the development of a skilled workforce by supporting STEM education and programs. This synergistic relationship is one we look forward to continuing.”

“Northrop Grumman, a longtime technology innovation leader in the state, has chosen to expand its footprint in Utah, and we’re thrilled,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Utah’s strategic location in the western U.S. has logistical advantages for defense and aerospace and access to efficient transportation and resources. Northrop Grumman’s operations in Utah rely on local suppliers and subcontractors, and we look forward to supporting the company’s growth and seeing the positive ripple effect throughout the state’s supply chain.”

A proven technology powerhouse and systems integrator, Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Driven by a shared purpose to solve its customers’ toughest problems, the company performs with speed and discipline, scaling its facilities to deliver the capabilities its customers need to respond to growing threats. The company continuously attracts top talent and was named one of the world’s best employers by Forbes, among others.

Northrop Grumman has a rich history spanning over eight decades in Utah. The company is now the largest private sector aerospace and defense employer in Utah, with locations across the state.

“Northrop continues to invest in northern Utah.” said Chris Roybal, president of the Northern Utah Economic Alliance. “This significant expansion sends a message that they are confident in our workforce. We look forward to their continued success in our market.”

“For years, Northrop Grumman has been an anchor employer in Utah’s robust aerospace and defense industry,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “It’s exciting to see its continued growth in several communities across the Wasatch Front.”

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For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

Recognized as one of the most important economic opportunities in Utah’s history, The Point consists of 600 acres of state-owned land that is being built into Utah’s Innovation Community.

The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority (Land Authority) and their private-sector master developer The Point Partners (comprised of partners Lincoln Property Company, Colmena Group, and Wadsworth Development Group) recently signed an agreement for Phase 1 development. The first 100 acres will include a walkable promenade; Central Green; regional trail connections; transit-oriented development; a balanced mix of jobs, housing, retail, shopping, entertainment; and more.

In this Q&A, Alan Matheson, executive director of the Land Authority, and Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of EDCUtah, share their thoughts on the project. ‍

Why should site selectors and companies consider expansion opportunities at The Point?

Scott: The Point is going to be the largest corporate campus between Salt Lake City and Utah County, offering an urban setting with a great laborshed. It’s a reasonable drive to the airport and it’s in the heart of Silicon Slopes, a thriving national tech hub.

Unlike private-sector developments with multiple owners, The Point is owned by the State. As a result of a robust process to gather input from the public on what they’d like to see at the site, there are ambitious goals in place around walkability, sustainability, innovation, open space, housing, and economic opportunity. For a company that’s looking to attract a lot of talent, The Point is where that talent can live, work, and play—surrounded by great amenities.

Alan: The Point is a premier location in a premier state, and it has a compelling and achievable vision to build on Utah’s advantages. That vision is based on sophisticated analysis, creative planning, and input from thousands of Utah residents—16,000 people to date. We have the advantage of being a blank canvas, so we can achieve the vision more easily than redeveloping an already developed site.

Any smart investor is looking for proven and sustainable returns. That’s Utah, with our economy, workforce, lifestyle, and sound, business-friendly public policies. At The Point, we want to reflect the best of Utah. ‍

What type of industries will be most attracted to The Point?

Alan: We advance State initiatives and priorities, so we’ll focus on the State’s targeted industry clusters, including life sciences, energy, technology, and aerospace & defense. But it won’t be limited to those areas. We welcome all companies that will be a good fit, and we recognize that there is real value in finding innovation at the intersection of different industry types.

We’re creating a place that will bring together people of different backgrounds to share ideas and find solutions. All aspects of this project are focused on doing things in better ways. We’re working very closely with the Utah System of Higher Education to bring academia and the private sector together to create, nurture, and commercialize ideas that generate economic development and solve some of Utah’s greatest challenges.

Scott: This innovation aspect will be appealing to site selectors and companies. The Point will be a place where companies can join a dynamic ecosystem of innovators, entrepreneurs and educators. It will be a great place to create and commercialize ideas.

What’s the State doing in terms of infrastructure?

Alan: Businesses want a site that’s easily accessed by employees and customers, and well-connected to its region. That’s happening here. FrontRunner—the commuter rail line that extends from Ogden to Provo—will have a new station immediately adjacent to the site, along with upgrades that will make FrontRunner more efficient throughout the system.

In addition, light rail will connect to FrontRunner, go through The Point, and on to Utah County. A mobility plan is under development to allow people to move around the site conveniently. This includes a circulator and apps that will help you find the easiest and least expensive way to get around The Point. With these strategies, this site will be very  connected to the region.

Beyond that, the State is investing in and working with our utility companies to install critical backbone infrastructure—roads through the project, water, sewer, electrical, gas, fiber, and everything else that’s needed for a successful community.

And we’re not just looking at the infrastructure we need today. We are planning for a potential vertiport as advanced air mobility continues to develop as a viable transit option.

Talk about the amenities. What are your favorite business and lifestyle elements?

Alan: This will be one of the premier shopping areas anywhere in the West. The Promenade will be a walkable street with ground-floor retail and residential and commercial space. There will be an event center. Convergence Hall, probably the first building constructed, will be the innovation heart of the project. It’s being designed and programmed right now by The Point Partners and the Utah System of Higher Education.

I’m also really excited by the River-to-Range Trail, a multi-use trail that will connect the Jordan River Parkway to the regional trails east of Interstate 15 (I-15). It will be a critical link connecting the most expansive trail system west of the Mississippi. People will love it for recreation and for active transportation—commuting on their bikes or e-bikes.

“We think placemaking and business attraction go hand in hand. Businesses want the best talent, and the best talent wants to live in the best places. We’re building a place that will attract the workforce of today and tomorrow.”

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‍Scott: I’m excited about the concept of live-work-play. You’ll have your needs met locally, and your family can probably do fine with only one vehicle in the garage for those occasional longer-drive needs.

I also like the emphasis on open space. Lots of green space is programmed throughout the project. It will be exciting for you, on your lunch break, to take a quick mountain bike ride in the nearby hills.

When will The Point be open for business?

Alan: Demolition on the site is now complete. That creates a blank canvas on which to build. The plan is to start the backbone infrastructure in the spring of 2024. That will include key roads, such as connections to I-15 and Bangerter Highway, and electrical, gas, water, sewer, storm water, and so forth.

The Point Partners will then identify parcels to develop within Phase 1—the first 100 acres. We expect to get their first applications in the fall of 2024, and that they’ll be able to start site work and vertical construction in 2025.

We expect Phase 1 development will entail a combination of build-to-suit and spec construction, including office, residential, retail, and entertainment. We’ll probably see the first occupancy in 2027. From there, it’s just going to take off.

Phase 1 will be outstanding, and most business development opportunities will be able to fit within its framework very well. We also imagine opportunities that will come along that fit better outside of Phase 1—think of sub-campuses within the remaining 500 acres. We have a process in place so that The Point Partners and the Land Authority can work together to support those opportunities.

What’s EDCUtah’s role in attracting companies to The Point?

Scott: We will market the product to our network of site selectors nationwide and to decision makers in certain international markets. Using our in-house research and marketing teams, we can help augment the efforts of the team at The Point and coordinate with the master developer. Lastly, we can help companies navigate the State’s incentives program run by our partners at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity.

Alan: EDCUtah is a valuable and valued partner. They have the team, the resources, and the relationships to share the opportunity The Point represents. EDCUtah can facilitate that important connection between companies and place.

Why should EDCUtah investors care about The Point?

Scott: Our mission is to catalyze strategic economic opportunities and quality jobs in Utah, and that’s what The Point is all about. The Kem C. Gardner Institute forecasts that, at the end of the buildout of the project, The Point will bring 46,000 jobs, $4.5 billion in annual earnings, and $7 billion in annual GDP. In short, this is going to be a key economic hub for the state, and our stakeholders care a lot about seeing that kind of prosperity.

Alan: As a State project, The Point is designed to provide benefits for all residents. In part, that’s the economic activity Scott mentioned and the new tax revenues that can fund priorities such as infrastructure, social services, and education throughout the state. It’s also about creating opportunities for businesses  that care about Utah and will invest in our communities.

Ultimately, it’s  about investing in Utahns’ quality of life. The Point will be a place where anybody can come with friends and family to enjoy a bike ride or a stroll in a beautiful outdoor area, interact with public art, get something to eat, or enjoy a concert or performance. We think it will be a great gathering place for all. The Point will be known globally and loved locally.

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“Building Together” highlights examples of the collective impact of EDCUtah and our investors in communities across the state. 

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

The EDCUtah’s Research Minute highlights interesting economic development data and timely research insights. This month, we explain a change in the way the federal government defines and evaluates Utah regions based on the huge population growth in Utah over the past several years.

One of the competencies that sets EDCUtah apart from other economic development organizations is our focus on quality research and economic data. EDCUtah’s research team provides data to:

• Help companies choose Utah for their next business location.
• Inform decision-makers with best-in-class economic research.
• Support Utah communities in identifying their competitive advantages.

Last fiscal year, EDCUtah completed 187 research requests for more than 50 projects. We also regularly update our research publications to keep a pulse on how Utah compares against regional and national competitors. For the purposes of our research, EDCUtah defines communities according to US Census Bureau defined Core Based Statistical Area (CBSA) boundaries. CBSA boundaries are used in all governmental data sources for reporting data for community regions. They provide a helpful framework for comparing locations across the nation.

The US Census Bureau recently made changes to Utah’s Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) as part of their normal update rotation. The Census Bureau looks at both metropolitan statistical areas and micropolitan statistical areas and makes any necessary updates every five years. Utah’s areas have not been changed in more than a decade, but changes were made in 2023 based on population center guidelines that the US Census Bureau uses to determine the areas.

These changes impact how data is collected and reported by the federal government and how Utah is perceived by site selectors and companies considering Utah for expansion opportunities.

The Salt Lake City, UT MSA is now called the Salt Lake City-Murray, UT MSA. The boundaries of the MSA remain the same and include both Salt Lake County and Tooele County. The Provo-Orem, UT MSA is now called the Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT MSA. The boundary for this MSA remains the same as well, encompassing Utah County and Juab County. The Logan, UT-ID MSA, comprised of Cache County and Franklin County, ID has not changed, nor has the St. George, UT MSA, which includes just Washington County.

In northern Utah, the US Census Bureau changed the boundaries of one metropolitan statistical area and created a new micro area. The Ogden-Clearfield, UT MSA was renamed the Ogden, UT MSA and now includes Davis County, Weber County, and Morgan County. Box Elder County was removed from the former MSA and assigned to a new micropolitan area called the Brigham City, UT-ID micro area. This new micro area also includes Oneida County, ID.

Rich County has also been added to the Evanston, WY micro area, which was renamed the Evanston, WY-UT micro area. Utah’s other four micropolitan statistical areas remain the same.

These changes reflect the significant growth that Utah has experienced over the past decade, both on the Wasatch Front and off, particularly for Brigham City and other population centers in Box Elder County. Utah’s population growth over the last decade is the highest in the nation at 18.4%. This is more than double the national average of 7.4%. While the old 2020 map is still available online, the US Census Bureau has not yet released new maps that reflect the recent changes. It will take time for these updates to be made on government and private websites and to be reflected in data and available resources. EDCUtah will make necessary adjustments to our data and marketing materials as this new information becomes available.

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Want more data? Explore the benefits of investing with EDCUtah.

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) is pleased to welcome a few new faces to the team!

Rex Buys, business development manager

Rex graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) with a degree in finance. Prior to EDCUtah, he successfully created and exited his own business and worked in commercial real estate development. While at BYU, Rex was part of the Marriott School Student Council, Real Estate Association, and Ballard Center Social Venture Academy. Rex loves classic rock and exploring Utah’s natural scenery through rock climbing, canyoneering, and camping.

Justice Russell, marketing event specialist

Justice is a marketing events specialist at EDCUtah, and she brings with her a passion for community and event management. Previously, Justice worked as an events director at Backyard Media, where she managed a variety of events from concerts and fundraisers to community festivals. Outside of work, you can find her skiing, mountain biking, or relaxing with a good book. She holds a bachelors degree in economics from Portland State University.

Lukas Hoeksema, intern

Lucas is a junior at the University of Utah pursuing an honors quantitative analysis of markets and rrganizations (QAMO) degree with a minor in advanced financial analysis. He is passionate about endurance racing, having completed a full-length Ironman triathlon and two trail run 50k races. Lucas will utilize his skills in modeling complex systems, interpreting data, and conducting predictive analysis in various projects for our team.

Heather Phipps, intern

Heather, a BYU graduate student in public administration, specializes in public finance with a background in environmental sustainability. As a student project manager at BYU’s Sustainability Office, she excels in implementing renewable energy strategies and managing projects for economic and environmental efficiency. Her expertise includes data analysis, client communication, and project management, honed during her role as a public relations intern at Living Zenith.

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Learn more about our team and our work.

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

$7 billion capex
Project Tripletail

Tract, a developer of master-planned data center parks, announced its acquisition of more than 668 acres of land in Eagle Mountain, UT. The land sits within Eagle Mountain’s Regional Technology Innovation (RTI) Overlay, which allows for by-right use for data centers, advanced manufacturing, research and development sites, supported by expedited administrative review processes for site plans and permits.

“We identified data centers early on as a way to employ residents, pay for the infrastructure of our growing city, and form partnerships to strengthen this close-knit community,” said Mayor Tom Westmoreland of Eagle Mountain. “Beyond the fiscal impact, our new technology neighbors have been great additions to our community, and we look forward to working with partners like Tract to develop new campuses and expand our emergence as a tech hub while maintaining our small-town charm.”

According to JLL’s recent North America Data Center Report, data center demand in Salt Lake City is being boosted by both hyperscalers and wholesale providers, driving net absorption in the first half of 2023 to nearly two thirds of the total market inventory. Wholesale providers Aligned, NOVVA, and DataBank have all announced recent expansions. QTS has announced it will enter the Salt Lake market in Eagle Mountain, joining Meta who is in the process of building a campus and Google who has acquired land there.

“Data centers continue to migrate to campus deployments and the building blocks for land and power are getting bigger to keep pace with the underlying demand,” explained Graham Williams, chief investment officer of Tract. “Building on Utah’s data center sales tax exemption and low power rates, Eagle Mountain has distinguished itself through thoughtful planning and having sufficient contiguous land to meet the campus needs of tomorrow. We appreciate the partnership with the city and look forward to accelerating responsible infrastructure for data center development.”

“We appreciate Tract’s leadership in minimizing water impact, as well as their innovative approaches to powering their campuses,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. “Resource-conscious data center expansion can help ensure economic prosperity for the State of Utah, today and in the future.”

Project Tripletail was supported by Tom Freeman at Colliers, an EDCUtah Builder’s Circle investor.

For more information, visit tract.com. For media inquiries, please contact media@tract.com.

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Investors: If you were involved in this project and would like to add your organization to this announcement, please email connect@edcutah.org.

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

190 jobs
339,000 sq ft.
$237 million capex
Project Merlin

Today, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) announced the establishment of a 339,000 sq. ft. baking facility by Nature’s Bakery in Salt Lake City. Nature’s Bakery projects to add over 190 jobs to its Utah location and invest $237 million in the Utah facility.

“We offer a warm welcome to Nature’s Bakery, a producer of wholesome, plant-based food that aligns with our state’s health-conscious lifestyle and love for outdoor activities,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “With Utah’s strong emphasis on well-being and sustainability, Nature’s Bakery’s offerings are poised to resonate with our communities. We look forward to the positive impact it will bring to our local economy, the creation of many jobs, and contribution to the flourishing food culture in Utah.”

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Reno, Nevada, Nature’s Bakery, part of Mars, Incorporated family of brands, has become the eighth best-selling and fastest-growing granola and snack bar brand in a +$4B category. Nature’s Bakery bakes the goodness of real ingredients into convenient, on-the-go snacks that are plant based, dairy-free, nut-free, and Non-GMO Project Verified. Their products are sold nationally at Target, Walmart, Costco and more, across 100,000 stores and counting.

“I am thrilled for our strategic expansion with the establishment of a cutting-edge baking facility in Salt Lake City,” shared Steve Gardiner, CEO of Nature’s Bakery. “This investment marks a significant milestone in our brand’s ability to drive greater capacity to meet growing consumer and retailer demand. As a self-manufacturer, this facility joins our existing bakeries to reflect our commitment to innovation and quality, and underscores our confidence in the thriving business environment of Utah. We look forward to contributing to the local economy, cultivating community, and creating job opportunities as we further our brand purpose of nourishing families and enabling them to thrive.”

To accelerate the growth of their better-for-you snacking platform, Nature’s Bakery has been part of the Mars family of companies since 2020. “This investment symbolizes our dedication to scaling our brands responsibly, upholding Mars’ pledge to be America’s prime destination for insurgent brands,” shared Juan Martin, Health & Wellness president at Mars, Incorporated.

“Nature’s Bakery’s investment is a reflection of Team Utah’s collaborative and thorough recruitment process, and we appreciate the close involvement from Utah’s community partners and utility providers,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “We look forward to continuing to partner with Nature’s Bakery as they grow and prosper in Salt Lake City.”

“Salt Lake City is a premier destination for business, and we’re happy to welcome Nature’s Bakery to the community,” Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said. “With over 190 new high-quality jobs, businesses like Nature’s Bakery, which support the needs of our workforce, are an important part of growing the economy for our families. This is a win for Salt Lakers and everyone who loves to live, work, and play here.”

Nature’s Bakery’s new facility is scheduled to initiate operations in July 2025.

Katherine Morrell-Moser, senior business development manager, led Project Merlin for EDCUtah. Chris Liddell and Tom Dischmann, both of CBRE, facilitated the property sale.

For more information about Nature’s Bakery, contact Hanna Teklu, senior director of marketing communications, at hteklu@naturesbakery.com.‍

Investors: If you were involved in this project and would like to add your organization to this announcement, please email connect@edcutah.org.

About Nature’s Bakery   ‍

Nature’s Bakery believes that simple, wholesome snacks are the best fuel for active, joyful lives. Since 2011, they’ve soft-baked the goodness of real ingredients like sun-ripened fruit and hearty whole grains into snacks that are plant-based, nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and Non-GMO Project Verified. Nature’s Bakery products include Whole Wheat Fig Bars, Gluten Free Fig Bars, Oatmeal Crumble bars, Organic Baked-Ins bars, Brownie bars, and Fig Bar Minis. Nature’s Bakery products can be purchased online at naturesbakery.com and Amazon. For more information, please visit naturesbakery.com/press-room or join the conversation on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

‍About Mars Incorporated ‍

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a global, family-owned business, Mars is transforming, innovating, and evolving to make a positive impact on the world. Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of quality snacking, food, and pet care products and services, we employ 140,000+ dedicated Associates. With more than $47 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including Nature’s Bakery®, Ben’s Original™, CESAR®, Cocoavia®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, KIND®, M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, and WHISKAS®. We are creating A Better World for Pets through our global network of pet hospitals and diagnostic services – including AniCura, BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, Linnaeus and VCA™ – using cutting edge technology to develop breakthrough programs in genetic health screening and DNA testing.

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For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

Throughout the year, EDCUtah brought you Utah’s top economic development highlights as they’ve happened. As we close out 2023, here’s our list of news worth celebrating. We’ve arranged them in roughly chronological order, but we’d like our readers to weigh in.

Building for Future Success

The start of 2023 was also the start of new tenures in leadership at the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO). Scott Cuthbertson joined EDCUtah as president and CEO, succeeding Theresa Foxley, and Ryan Starks took the reins as GOEO executive director, succeeding Dan Hemmert.

In tandem with the EDCUtah leadership change, our organization added four new staff members in the third quarter, with three more hires planned for the fourth quarter. Val Hale also joined EDCUtah as a community ambassador consultant. These changes support the implementation of EDCUtah’s new five-year strategic plan, which builds upon several decades of success with a vision focused on long-term economic prosperity. EDCUtah remains true to our core competencies—economic research, professional project management, strategic marketing, and community strategy—while sharpening our focus on strategic recruiting and economic opportunities by sector and geography.

Utah’s Economy Remains Strong

Utah’s economy was ranked No. 1 in the nation by the American Legislative Exchange Council and U.S. News and World Report. These rankings follow more than a decade of similar accolades and 30 years of intentional work by economic development partners across the state. They also set the stage for Utah’s next phase of economic opportunity, as Scott Cuthbertson wrote for the Deseret News.

Strong Showing for Projects Off the Wasatch Front

The push to increase the number of expansion projects in all regions of the state has been a multi-year effort, and 2023 saw some encouraging progress. Throughout the year, “Team Utah” (EDCUtah, GOEO, and local/regional partners) successfully attracted and retained companies across the state. Rural Utah landed 12 projects in manufacturing/distribution, food processing, outdoor products, and other sectors – the highest number of rural projects in a calendar year yet. Some notable wins included Schreiber Foods, C & J Specialties, and Kent Outdoors. Others such as Procter & Gamble and Lakeshore Learning are mentioned below.

P&G Continues to Grow in Box Elder

In February, Procter & Gamble (P&G) announced continued expansion of its presence in Box Elder County, with plans to add 300 jobs and invest $400 million. With more than a decade in Utah, P&G is a steady growth agent and has spent or committed more than $1 billion in capital expenditures in that time.

The growth story started in 2007 when the company announced plans for its first greenfield site (e.g. from the ground up) in the United States in more than 30 years, with an initial investment of $300 million. Production started in Box Elder in 2011, and expansion followed in 2015 ($400 million) and 2020 ($310 million). Currently about 500 people work at the Box Elder facility.

A Semiconductor Win and a Statewide Initiative

In February, Texas Instruments announced plans to bring up to 800 new high-tech jobs to Lehi during the next 20 years. Capital expenditures associated with the project are $11 billion, the largest investment resulting from a corporate recruitment project in Utah history.

To support this and other CHIPS Act-related projects, in October, the University of Utah launched the Utah Network for Integrated Computing and Semiconductor research and education (UNICOS). UNICOS convenes major employers, higher education, and community partners to collaborate on workforce training and cutting-edge research to create a highly skilled semiconductor workforce and spark innovation. Led by the University of Utah, UNICOS is a network spanning the entire state. ECUtah is pleased to serve on the UNICOS government advisory board.

Continued Progress in Economic Opportunity and Belonging

EDCUtah, the Center for Economic Opportunity and Belonging (CEOB), and other partners released a Toolkit for Building Belonging in April. The digital toolkit offers a collection of proven practices for building cultures of belonging in the workplace. Activities in the toolkit were curated from national sources, Utah focus groups, and Utah employers, and they were vetted by leaders from Utah’s multicultural communities. The toolkit has already exceeded project goals for first year adoption.

In July, the CEOB “graduated” from EDCUtah and became a separate non-profit. The change allows CEOB to expand its mission to address gaps not only in economic opportunity, but also in education, health, and housing in Utah.

Delta Invests in Salt Lake City

In June, Delta broke ground on a new pilot training facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. The new 47,000-square-foot facility is anticipated to bring upwards of $120 million in capital investment to the region. Located next to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), this is Delta’s first significant training facility investment outside of its Atlanta headquarters, which opened its first pilot training facility in 1968.

Utah Recognized as a Fintech Leader

Also in June, the Wall Street Journal covered the opening of the University of Utah’s Stena Center for Financial Technology  We followed up with an interview of the center’s executive director, Ryan Christiansen, to amplify the news with our investors and our projects.

Financial technology, or fintech, is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world, and Utah is a leading location for this innovative and multidisciplinary industry. Tech and finance companies employed more than 180,000 people in Utah as of mid-2022, up 18% from five years earlier, according to an EDCUtah analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data. In 2023, Area Development named Salt Lake City among the top five emerging growth markets for fintech in the U.S.

New Partnership with the Utah Inland Port Authority

EDCUtah launched a new partnership with the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) and GOEO to accelerate economic opportunity and create new opportunities for Utahns. The partnership aims to align incentives, promote targeted business growth, and foster responsible economic development strategies. As part of the agreement, Jaime Hernandez joined EDCUtah as a UIPA project manager to facilitate corporate expansion and recruitment projects interested in any of the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) sites.

Massive Square Footage in Box Elder

In August, Lakeshore Learning selected Box Elder County for a new Western U.S. distribution center. In October, the company broke ground on what promises to be one of largest buildings in Utah at more than 1.2 million square feet.

Utah’s Business Incentives Program Shows Strong ROI

In October, a third-party accounting firm released an analysis of Utah’s tax incentive program for fiscal years 2019 to 2022, and the results were impressive. In this conversation between EDCUtah’s Scott Cuthbertson and GOEO’s Ryan Starks, readers can learn more about how the Economic Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF) program benefits Utah’s economy and taxpayers.

The Point Releases Phase I Plans, Signs Development Agreement

In December, The Point – one of the most significant economic development opportunities in Utah’s history – signed a development agreement with Innovation Point Partners and released an overview of its Phase One plans. Led by Lincoln Property Company and its local partners Colmena Group and Wadsworth Development Group, Innovation Point Partners brings extensive experience building large-scale, sustainable communities and innovative, mixed-use projects.

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“Building Together” highlights examples of the collective impact of EDCUtah and our investors in communities across the state. 

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

54 jobs
50,000 sq ft.
$21 million capex
Project Kilauea

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) are pleased to announce that Thales plans to bring up to 54 new, high-paying jobs and invest about $21 million in Salt Lake City over the next 10 years, an endeavor that will include moving to a new, larger facility to expand the impact of its Moog acquisition.

Thales established its presence in Salt Lake City with the acquisition in 2021 of Moog’s Navigation Systems, which offers more comprehensive aerospace navigation aid solutions to the U.S. military and customers worldwide. Thales has over 80 years of experience and expertise in staffing and executing major ATM (Air Traffic Management) programs for customers, including the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), NAV CANADA, and the Canada Department of National Defense (DND). In total, Thales systems account for more than 75% of all navigation aids globally, and 99% of U.S. commercial airports rely on Thales navigation aids to assist pilots in landing.

With 4,300 employees in 22 states and 600 new hires planned in 2023, Thales is an established player with a growing footprint in the United States. The Group is particularly recognized in the US defense sector, with a continuum between cybersecurity and defense, and has an increasing presence in digital identity and security.

“Thales is globally renowned in its sphere of specialty navigation systems and is an asset to Utah’s dynamic aerospace and defense community,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “The company has proved its expertise working with the U.S. Department of Defense and other agencies, broadening our state’s connection worldwide. We’re grateful for Thales’ commitment to Utah’s economy and look forward to continuing our working relationship.”

“Today’s increasing global security concerns have created a strong demand for tactical navigation products enabling our government’s and our allies’ contingency air operations and evolving military mobility needs,” said Todd Donovan, vice president of Airspace Mobility Solutions – Americas. “We’re pleased to work with Utah to support this growth and continue the nearly 70-year legacy in Salt Lake City.”

“Because of our thriving talent pool, easy access to the beautiful outdoors, and booming commerce and culture scene, Salt Lake City continues to be the place where businesses want to land and expand. We are excited for the Thales expansion and for the good jobs it will bring,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “Not only is this a win for the aerospace and defense industry here in Utah, it’s also a win for Salt Lake City residents who will benefit from the jobs and positive economic impact.”

“Thales’ reinvestment and expansion in Utah continues to add depth and expertise to our thriving aerospace and defense industry,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of EDC Utah. “We welcome its commitment to growing in Salt Lake City and providing quality high-paying jobs at their new facility.”

Gerritt Vander Linden, business development manager, led Project Kilauea for EDCUtah.

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Investors: If you were involved in this project and would like to add your organization to this announcement, please email connect@edcutah.org.

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

75 jobs
100,000 sq ft.
$4.5 million capex
Project Linsanity II

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) are pleased to announce that EZARC Solutions plans to bring up to 75 new, high-paying jobs and invest about $4.5 million in Utah County over the next 5 years.

“We congratulate EZARC on its decision to expand its fabrication and manufacturing capabilities in Utah,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “With the strong presence of the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries in the Western U.S., EZARC is uniquely positioned geographically to address the market needs in Utah and beyond.”

EZARC is trusted by the world’s most innovative companies to develop end-to-end solutions for construction problems ranging from simple to complex. The company is dedicated to building solutions with clients from preconstruction engineering and design through estimating and construction to operational start-up and maintenance. EZARC is a building solutions partner for structural steel, miscellaneous metals, custom metal fabrications, rigging, and tool and equipment installations, including new build, renovation, and clean environments. For over 31 years, EZARC has found ways to change how things have been done and provide new and revolutionary approaches.

“We could not be more pleased to call Utah our home and have the support of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, EDCUtah, and our local communities, with our unprecedented growth and expansion,” said Steve Bowers, president and COO at EZARC Inc. “EZARC is becoming a world leader within the semiconductor, data center, and advanced manufacturing industries, by providing innovative solutions that are changing the ways our client can meet the demands of an ever-changing world.”

“We are pleased to see another local company choose to reinvest in Utah,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “Semiconductor manufacturing is a priority industry for Utah and the United States, and we look forward to growing our state’s capacity for this critical supply chain.”

Gerritt Vander Linden, business development manager, led Project Linsanity for EDCUtah.

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Investors: If you were involved in this project and would like to add your organization to this announcement, please email connect@edcutah.org.

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.