100 jobs
$35.9 million capex
Project Vaulted

Congratulations to Tooele County and Grantsville City! UFP Industries, a Fortune 500 company and a leading provider of building materials and packaging solutions, announced plans to bring approximately 100 new technically-oriented jobs to Tooele County and invest $35.9 million in Utah over the coming years.

“We are excited to welcome UFP Industries to Tooele County,” said Tooele County Council Chairman Jared Hamner. “This investment brings quality jobs and strengthens our local economy while helping builders meet housing demands.”

The company’s announcement resulted from collaboration among Grantsville City, Tooele County, EDCUtah, Romney Group, Colliers, and Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. EDCUtah supported the company’s decision to expand in Utah by issuing a request for site information (RFI), introducing them to local communities, and coordinating a Utah site visit. Additionally, EDCUtah guided the company through the state tax incentive process and connected them to other resources to support their growth in Utah.

“We are pleased to welcome UFP to Utah where they will find a surging construction market ready to benefit from their products,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president of EDCUtah. “UFP’s industry expertise will address supply shortages and support home builders across the Beehive state and their investment in Tooele County will create new jobs and accelerate economic growth in the region.”

UFP Site Built is a national leader in designing and manufacturing value-added wood and non-wood structural components for the construction industry, such as prefabricated wood trusses and wall panels. As a subsidiary of UFP Industries, a global enterprise founded in 1955 and publicly traded since 1993, the company serves the retail, packaging, and construction markets. Committed to exceptional customer service, UFP invests in people and technology to deliver world-class products that drive success. The company’s expansion will help meet the rising demand for housing and commercial development as Utah experiences record population growth.

“Utah’s booming population requires innovative solutions to keep housing both available and affordable,” said Mike Ellerbrook, executive vice president of UFP Site Built. “With this investment, we are strengthening our ability to provide high-quality structural components that support the construction of single-family homes, multifamily housing, and commercial developments across the state. We are proud to grow our footprint in Utah and create new opportunities for the local workforce.”

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) – an EDCUtah founding investor – assisted the project by approving UFP Industries for Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF).

“Access to high-quality building materials is essential for creating more affordable and reliable housing for Utahns,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “This expansion supports our state’s economic priorities by strengthening the supply chain, creating quality jobs, and investing in rural communities. We welcome industry leaders like UFP who help drive smart growth and keep Utah a great place to live and work.”

Jared Stewart, senior business development manager, led Project Vaulted for EDCUtah. Thane Smith with Romney Group, Tom Freeman with Colliers, Mayor Critchlow with Grantsville City, and representatives of Tooele County were all involved in the UFP Industries project, helping to facilitate its success in the region.

_____

EDCUtah Investors: If you were involved with this project and would like to have your organization mentioned, please email connect@edcutah.org and we’ll update this article.

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

10 jobs
15,000 sq. ft.
Project Round Table

Congratulations to Salt Lake City! JSL Partners, a growing, innovative company dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality solutions to consumers of personal hygienic products, announced plans to bring approximately 10 new jobs to Salt Lake City.

“We are proud to support JSL Partners and their innovative approach to personal hygienic products,” said Lorena Riffo Jenson, director of Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development. “Their focus on affordability and sustainability aligns with the values of our Salt Lake community. We’re excited to welcome them and see their contributions to our local economy.”

EDCUtah supported the company by facilitating their RFI process and connecting them with brokers representing the sites they shortlisted. EDCUtah organized two site visits, where we introduced the company to a network of EDCUtah partners, including brokers, law firms, housing providers, talent recruiters, and the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA). Each partner shared valuable insights on doing business in Salt Lake City and provided guidance on how to successfully establish operations in the region.

“We’re excited to have JSL Partners choose Salt Lake City for their next phase of growth,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president of EDCUtah. “Utah’s talented workforce and exceptional quality of life are key assets that continue to drive economic growth, and we’re proud to support projects of all sizes as they consider new locations. JSL Partners’ decision to expand here is a testament to the ongoing strength of our local economy and the welcoming business environment. ”

JSL Partners is a leading provider of affordable, high-quality personal hygiene products, specializing in consumer essentials like diapers, training pants, and adult hygiene items. With a focus on both cost-effective solutions and product quality, JSL Partners delivers reliable, accessible hygiene products for individuals and families. Their innovative offerings, including their Dandy and Bunnyhugs brands, are designed to meet the needs of a broad range of consumers while competing with larger market players. JSL Partners is committed to maintaining high standards of care and sustainability across their product lines, contributing to the hygiene industry’s advancement while ensuring that personal hygiene remains accessible to all.

“In searching for our West Coast distribution facility, we considered Phoenix, Las Vegas, Reno, and Salt Lake City,” said John Merlini, president of JSL Partners. “After analysis, we determined Salt Lake City provided the optimal distribution location, combined with both a high-quality labor force and high quality of life.”

Rex Buys, business development manager, led Project Roundtable for EDCUtah. The company’s decision resulted from the collaboration of Salt Lake City Economic Development, EDCUtah, Tina Hazlett and Kimberly Hitchcock of Spectrum Recruiting Solutions, Kelsie Akiyama and Ben Richardson of Newmark, Kathleen Weron with Ogletree Deakins, Brianna Mallory Hunt with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, and Stephen Smith of Utah Inland Port Authority.

_____

EDCUtah Investors: If you were involved with this project and would like to have your organization mentioned, please email connect@edcutah.org and we’ll update this article.

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

400 jobs
$277 million capex
Project Brittany

Congratulations to Salt Lake City! Bridor, a leading manufacturer of high-quality breads and pastries, announced plans to bring approximately 400 new jobs to Salt Lake City and invest $277 million in Utah over the next 13 years.

“We are thrilled that Bridor has chosen Salt Lake City for its newest facility,” said Lorena Riffo Jenson, director of Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development. “This investment underscores our city’s reputation as a place with a growing job market and a great place for internationally minded businesses to establish roots. We look forward to the addition of 400 jobs to our growing food manufacturing cluster in Salt Lake City.”

EDCUtah collaborated with Bridor and a site selector to issue a request for information (RFI), connecting the company with sites and communities. Dennis Group supported Bridor’s site selection process. In addition to Salt Lake City, the project received support from EDCUtah partners JLL and Enbridge.

“We are pleased to welcome Bridor to Utah, where an increasing number of food manufacturers are choosing to grow and thrive,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “Bridor will play an important role in bolstering Utah’s food security, and their decision to expand in Utah was made possible by the collaboration of many important partners.”

Bridor issued the following statement about its decision to locate in Utah:

“Our existing North American manufacturing base is currently centralized on the East Coast, and this westward expansion was a strategy long in the making. Utah’s connectivity to major transportation routes, top-notch labor market, and proximity to diverse and rich agricultural products quickly elevated Utah to the top of our five-state regional review. The strong local support of our project from early on helped Bridor visualize the roadmap for establishing operations here.”

‍

Since 1984, Bridor has created and manufactured high-quality European bakery products adapted to the North American market. Its expertise and state-of-the-art technology has helped Bridor become a North American leader in manufacturing high-quality and innovative breads and pastries. Bridor North America has four plants: two in Québec, Canada, and two in the eastern United Statest. It employs approximately 1,200 people and is part of the global Groupe Le Duff. Groupe Le Duff has over 30,000 employees across 100 countries and 10 production facilities.

Jared Stewart, senior business development manager, led Project Brittany for EDCUtah.

_____

EDCUtah Investors: If you were involved with this project and would like to have your organization mentioned, please email connect@edcutah.org and we’ll update this article.

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

Have you heard about EDCUtah’s new community investor program? The new model, launched at the end of 2024, allows EDCUtah to deliver tailored services to EDCUtah community investors and meet them where they are in their economic journey—ensuring that each Utah community receives enhanced support based on its unique economic development goals.

EDCUtah is Utah’s only statewide economic development organization with a public-private partnership model. Our mission is supported by investments from Utah cities, counties, and state agencies, as well as private sector companies. Greg Bisping, EDCUtah vice president of investor relations, spent his first year at EDCUtah meeting regularly with Utah communities to gather feedback on our public sector investor program. Utah community leaders shared their ideas, goals, and concerns – and we listened.

Utah communities may now choose from five tiers of investment. Each tier offers varying levels of service in key areas like business development, research, marketing, grants, retail promotion, and events. We are committed to pricing our services so that every Utah community—no matter how large or small—can invest in EDCUtah. Download this PDF for a breakdown of each investment level.

Access to Preferential Pricing on AlphaMap

As part of the new program, EDCUtah partnered with NextSite to offer AlphaMap at preferential pricing to EDCUtah community investors. We know that the retail industry plays an important role in local sales tax revenue, quality of life, and workforce diversification. But for many city and county officials, finding the right data to support retail recruitment efforts can be time-consuming and expensive.

With AlphaMap, Utah communities gain access to a comprehensive suite of tools and services that are designed to unlock valuable insights and inform decision-making. From identifying target markets and analyzing consumer behavior to optimizing land use and infrastructure planning, AlphaMap empowers communities to strategically plan and execute their development initiatives.

Jen Wakeland, strategic development director for Beaver County, is already seeing results after implementing AlphaMap.

“AlphaMap is a fantastic tool that allows me to recruit new businesses, report out to my elected officials and other governing bodies, and gain a better understanding of the business activity occurring in my county, cities, and towns,” said Wakeland. “Before AlphaMap, this information was purely anecdotal. Now we can provide demographic information, annual spend, and trade area radius to potential business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members.”

Unlocking New Grant Funding Opportunities

In 2024, EDCUtah conducted a comprehensive analysis of grant utilization across communities and discovered that many faced similar challenges and opportunities. One of the top community priorities was gaining access to a wider range of grant opportunities. Grants can provide a valuable source of funding for a community’s priority projects—but finding the right grant opportunity is half the battle. 

Another valuable offering in the new program is access to Instrumentl, a leading database platform for discovering and managing grants. EDCUtah community investors can use Instrumentl’s comprehensive grant database to discover new funding opportunities tailored to their specific community’s needs. Instrumentl provides data-driven recommendations to help an organization maximize their chances of securing funding. EDCUtah will also offer curated tools and templates to help communities streamline their grant application process.

A Suite of Scalable Services

The tier-based program allows communities to choose investment levels that fit their specific goals and budget. Some key highlights include:

• Economic data and reporting provided by EDCUtah’s Research team.

• Annual invitation to join EDCUtah’s booth at ICSC Las Vegas.

• Eligibility for a custom community profile created and updated annually by EDCUtah.

• Increased opportunities for engagement with EDCUtah’s Community Strategy team.

• Priority invitations to gain additional visibility through event sponsorships.

_____

Interested in investing in EDCUtah? Email Greg Bisping at gbisping@edcutah.org to discuss specific offerings, schedule a meeting, or get started with the new model.

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

200 jobs
$200 million capex
Project Charm

Congratulations to Brigham City! Nucor, a leading steel producer and pioneer in sustainable manufacturing, announced plans to bring approximately 200 new technically-oriented jobs to Brigham City and invest $200 million in Utah over the coming years.

The company’s announcement came as the result of collaboration among Brigham City, EDCUtah, Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA), and the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO).

EDCUtah supported the project by coordinating requests for information in 2022 and 2023;  facilitating connections with Brigham City, UIPA, and D.A. Davidson; as well as organizing a site visit to advance the initiative.

“Brigham City is excited to welcome Nucor once again to our community. We are well acquainted with Nucor’s quality and integrity and look forward to working with them on a fourth project within our city,” said Brigham City Mayor Dennis J. Bott. “Our staff has worked with Nucor, UIPA, and GOEO on this project for over a year. Nucor’s decision to locate in Brigham City is a validation of the positive business environment we have worked hard to cultivate. We look forward to many years of partnership with Nucor Towers & Structures.”

“Nucor’s continued investment in Brigham City highlights their long-term commitment to manufacturing in Utah,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president of EDCUtah. “Their growing presence in Brigham City, now with multiple facilities, underscores the region’s strategic importance. Nucor’s focus on cleaner, more sustainable steel manufacturing sets a standard for innovation, and the addition of steel galvanization capabilities helps address supply chain needs within Utah’s manufacturing ecosystem.”

Nucor is a leading steel and steel products manufacturer committed to driving sustainability and innovation in the steel industry. With a pioneering approach, Nucor utilizes a highly efficient electric arc furnace (EAF) technology to produce high-quality steel with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the sector. Leveraging a diverse range of recycled materials, Nucor has built a scalable and flexible production process that meets the evolving needs of construction, automotive, energy, and other critical industries. Supported by its extensive network of partners and a dedication to continuous improvement, Nucor is revolutionizing steel production while advancing its mission to deliver sustainable solutions for a resilient future.

“This new facility marks a significant milestone for Nucor Towers & Structures as we scale up our operations to meet the growing demand for utility infrastructure in western states due to clean energy projects, transmission upgrades, and a growing population,” said Laurent De Mey, vice president and general manager of Nucor Towers & Structures. “Utah’s robust infrastructure and skilled workforce make it the ideal location for this investment. We are proud to deepen our roots in Brigham City and appreciate the partnership with local leaders.”

As part of the project, Nucor was approved for a tax differential by the board of the Utah Inland Port Authority, an EDCUtah champion investor. Tax differential, often referred to as tax increment, represents the growth in property tax revenues in a project area. These incentives are designed to promote economic growth, including significant investments in public infrastructure.

“This is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving economic growth,” said Ben Hart, UIPA executive director. “Nucor’s expansion underscores our mission to attract industries that align with Utah’s long-term vision for innovation and sustainability. The addition of skilled jobs and significant investment will be a catalyst for continued development in the region.”

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) – an EDCUtah founding investor – assisted the project by approving Nucor for Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF).

“This project highlights Utah’s commitment to fostering innovative industries that prioritize sustainability and community impact,” said Ryan Starks, GOEO executive director. “We’re proud to support initiatives that create opportunities for both businesses and residents.”

Spencer Layton, business development analyst, led Project Charm for EDCUtah.

_____

EDCUtah Investors: If you were involved with this project and would like to have your organization mentioned, please email connect@edcutah.org and we’ll update this article.

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

103 jobs
$99.4 million capex
Project Oxygen

Congratulations to Davis County and the City of North Salt Lake! OxEon Energy, an innovative leader in clean energy technology and advanced materials, announced plans to bring approximately 103 new high-paying jobs to Davis County and invest $99.4 million in Utah over the next 6 years.

The company’s announcement came as the result of collaboration among the Northern Utah Economic Alliance (NUEA), EDCUtah, Davis County, and the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO).

EDCUtah supported OxEon by facilitating strategic networking opportunities and providing guidance throughout the tax incentive process. While OxEon worked more directly with GOEO, EDCUtah provided encouragement and resources to help advance the initiative. EDCUtah will continue supporting OxEon in future development phases.

“OxEon has been a valued partner in Davis County since 2021, and we fully support their growth,” said Chanel Flores, economic development director of the Office of Community & Economic Development for Davis County. “They exemplify how businesses can effectively leverage loan funding to drive impactful innovation. We’re grateful to the GOEO board for extending this EDTIF opportunity, which will further support OxEon Energy’s expansion and contributions to our community.”

“In the coming decades, clean energy will be a key component of economic growth not only in northern Utah but also globally. We congratulate OxEon on their advances in energy technology and look forward to their continued expansion in northern Utah’s economy,” said Chris Roybal, president of NUEA.

“OxEon’s growth is a testament to the remarkable energy innovation happening right here in Utah,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president of EDCUtah. “This project showcases our commitment to fostering the success of local companies and highlights the potential for groundbreaking innovation within our communities. EDCUtah will continue to champion initiatives that support the growth of Utah-based businesses and strengthen our state’s economy.”

OxEon Energy is a pioneering leader in the development of solid oxide technologies and is committed to driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. With expertise in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC), OxEon specializes in transforming carbon dioxide and water into clean fuels and high-purity gases. Their advanced systems enable efficient energy storage and production, addressing the needs of industries ranging from aerospace to renewable energy. Renowned for their contribution to NASA’s MOXIE project, which produced oxygen on Mars, OxEon is at the forefront of groundbreaking advancements. By leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and a dedication to sustainable solutions, OxEon is reshaping the future of clean energy while enabling industries to meet global energy demands sustainably.

“OxEon Energy’s decision to expand our operations in Utah reflects our deep commitment to the state’s thriving innovation ecosystem and talented workforce,” said Jessica Elwell, chief operating officer at OxEon Energy. “Utah offers a unique combination of skilled professionals, supportive business environments, and access to critical infrastructure, making it the perfect place to scale our efforts in advancing sustainable energy solutions. The state’s unparalleled outdoor culture also enhances work-life balance for our employees, helping us attract and retain top talent. We are excited to continue contributing to the state’s growth while driving progress in clean energy technologies.”

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) – an EDCUtah founding investor – assisted the project by approving OxEon for Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF).

“Utah is committed to advancing clean energy solutions and creating jobs that fuel economic growth,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of GOEO. “This incentive helps build a more sustainable future by supporting companies like OxEon as they develop groundbreaking technologies to shape the future of energy.”

Jared Stewart, senior business development manager, led Project Oxygen for EDCUtah.

_‍____

EDCUtah Investors: If you were involved with this project and would like to have your organization mentioned, please email connect@edcutah.org and we’ll update this article.

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

100 jobs
$150 million capex
Project CJ Demo

Congratulations to Salt Lake City! CleanJoule, a full-performance sustainable aviation fuel company, announced plans to bring approximately 100 new technically-oriented jobs to Salt Lake City and invest $150 million in Utah over the next ten years.

“Salt Lake City is thrilled about the expansion of CleanJoule and the additional jobs they’ll bring to our residents. This homegrown success story is a perfect example of the magic that happens at the University of Utah Research Park, which then translates into sustainable manufacturing that’s good for the environment and the economy,” said Lorena Riffo Jenson, director of Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development. “When a company chooses to expand here, it reinforces that Salt Lake City is a place where businesses prosper. And when businesses prosper, our families, friends, and community thrive.”

EDCUtah supported the project by coordinating requests for information on behalf of the company and facilitating connections between CleanJoule and local brokers, including Newmark.

“CleanJoule’s transformative work in sustainable aviation fuels exemplifies the innovation and collaboration that thrive in Utah’s business-friendly environment,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president of EDCUtah. “By driving advancements in fuel efficiency and sustainability, CleanJoule is shaping the future of aviation and strengthening Utah’s position as a hub for cutting-edge aerospace solutions.”

CleanJoule is a full-performance sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) company that has developed a breakthrough pathway to produce superior and cost-effective SAF, driving the transformation towards a more sustainable aviation industry. CleanJoule’s manufacturing process delivers SAF with 10% higher energy density than typical Jet A/A-1 via a feedstock flexible biologic and chemical process. Backed by Indigo Partners, Cleanhill Partners, GenZero, Frontier Airlines, Wizz Airlines, and Volaris, CleanJoule is on a mission to eliminate the aerospace industry’s reliance on fossil fuels.

“Utah has an incredible talent pool and excellent leadership at the city and state levels. Utah’s business-friendly legislature has been instrumental in allowing us to attract outside capital and drive growth,” said Mukund Karanjikar, CEO and founder of CleanJoule. “We see immense potential in the Salt Lake City community and are excited to be part of an ecosystem that values forward-thinking approaches and cultivates an environment where businesses and individuals alike can thrive.”

Rex Buys, business development manager, led Project CJ Demo for EDCUtah. Jeff Rossi from Newmark, assisted the company in finding its location.

_____

EDCUtah Investors: If you were involved with this project and would like to have your organization mentioned, please email connect@edcutah.org and we’ll update this article.

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

183 jobs
$39 million capex
Project Aegis

Hypercraft, a cutting-edge provider of electric powertrain systems, announced plans to bring approximately 183 new high-paying jobs and invest $39 million in Utah during the next seven years.

“We are very grateful for the support we have received from EDCUtah and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity as we continue to grow and scale our business, technologies, and employee base here in Utah,” said Jake Hawksworth, CEO of Hypercraft.

EDCUtah assisted Hypercraft in navigating state incentive processes and in coordinating with communities across the Wasatch Front. EDCUtah will continue to help Hypercraft with incentives from other agencies and by connecting them with our network of private and public sector partners.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Hypercraft’s expansion in Utah,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah). “Its innovative advanced propulsion technology is revolutionizing the automotive industry and will be right at home in the Beehive state as a growing company creatively solving the challenges of our day.”

With the goal of making electric vehicle (EV) technology available to everyone, Hypercraft supplies complete, plug-and-play electric drive systems for everything from one-off creations to large-scale electric vehicle production. The company’s client base includes chassis fabricators, custom and restomod shops, manufacturers of automobiles, boats, off-road, powersports, and racing vehicles, fleets, small equipment, and anything in between. Hypercraft strives to give companies access to advanced propulsion technology and to help those companies scale their businesses quickly.

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) – an EDCUtah founding investor – assisted the project by approving Hypercraft for Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF).

“Utah is driving innovation in the electric vehicle industry, shaping the future of sustainable, eco-friendly transportation,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Our commitment to advancing research and production ensures Utah is leading the charge in manufacturing technology and innovation. Companies like Hypercraft are driving this progress, serving as hubs for groundbreaking solutions that will power a more sustainable future.”

Jared Stewart, senior business development manager, led Project Aegis for EDCUtah.

_____

EDCUtah Investors: If you were involved with this project and would like to have your organization mentioned, please email connect@edcutah.org and we’ll update this article.

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