177 jobs
78,000 sq. ft.
$36 million capex
Project Ghostrider

Congratulations to KIHOMAC, Layton City, and Davis County! KIHOMAC, a veteran-owned company specializing in aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, custom fabrication, and lifecycle support, announced plans for a new project in Utah. The project is expected to create 177 new jobs and bring $36 million in capital investment to the state, further expanding KIHOMAC’s presence in Utah.

The company’s announcement came as the result of collaboration among Layton City, Davis County, R&O Construction, EDCUtah, and the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

“We’re excited to see KIHOMAC continue to grow and invest in Utah,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah. “Layton City and Davis County have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting Utah’s aerospace industry and creating an environment where companies like KIHOMAC can thrive. We’re thrilled to see KIHOMAC choose to expand in Utah and look forward to the new opportunities this investment will create for the community and our state.”

Founded in 2003, KIHOMAC is a veteran-owned company based in Reston, Virginia. With over 350 employees, it specializes in aerospace engineering, reverse manufacturing, custom fabrication, and lifecycle support for military and commercial aviation. Its main focus is to extend the value of U.S. aerospace weapon systems through full-lifecycle support. The company’s investment supports advanced manufacturing and enables them to increase production and deliver secure, domestically produced drone solutions.

“Utah has been an important part of KIHOMAC’s growth for many years, and we continue to see tremendous opportunity to expand our capabilities here,” said Adam Grimm, President and COO of KIHOMAC. “The state provides an exceptional combination of a highly skilled aerospace and defense workforce, proximity to key customers and partners, and a business environment that supports continued investment. This expansion will allow us to grow our engineering and advanced manufacturing capabilities, create high-quality jobs, and increase our capacity to deliver innovative, mission-critical solutions to our customers. We appreciate the support of the state, Davis County, Layton City, and our economic development partners as we continue investing in KIHOMAC’s people, capabilities, and future in Utah.”

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) assisted the project by approving KIHOMAC for a Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF) incentive.

“Utah’s aerospace and defense sector is a key component of our long-term economic plan,” said GOED Commissioner Jefferson Moss. “KIHOMAC’s growth in Davis County highlights our commitment to supporting high-tech manufacturing, ensuring a strong supply chain, and delivering mission-critical capabilities for national defense. Their investment opens up skilled engineering and fabrication jobs that support our statewide economic goals.”‍

Spencer Layton, business development manager, assisted Project Ghostrider for EDCUtah.

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

If you were involved with this project and would like 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.

Today we’re celebrating Utah’s 16th Shovel Award from Area Development! Each year, Area Development recognizes states that stand out for their ability to attract high-impact economic development projects. Using data submitted by state economic development agencies such as EDCUtah, Area Development evaluates the top projects based on job creation, capital investment, industry diversity, and each state’s overall economic strategy.

This recognition wouldn’t be possible without the many community and industry partners across the state who support Utah’s economic prosperity every day.

From Area Development:

“Utah’s Silver Shovel performance in 2026 is built on medical technology, aerospace, and food processing — a combination that reflects the state’s ability to compete across very different industrial sectors. Stryker leads the roster with $615 million and 862 medical technology jobs in Salt Lake County, one of the larger medtech investments in the region this year. AeroVironment adds 526 aerospace jobs in Salt Lake City, and Bridor brings $277 million and 400 food processing positions to the same market.

Advanced manufacturing anchors the industrial middle of the portfolio. Nucor invests $205 million and 200 steel manufacturing jobs in Brigham City, and Stadler Rail brings $189 million and 250 transportation positions to Salt Lake City. ACS Manufacturing contributes 223 general manufacturing jobs in Clearfield, and UFP Industries adds 100 construction products positions in Grantsville City.

Energy and life sciences round out the picture. OxEon Energy brings $99 million and 103 renewable energy jobs to North Salt Lake, and Ratio Therapeutics adds 100 life sciences positions in West Valley City. Coast Pay contributes 100 financial services jobs in Draper City. Microvascular Therapeutics brings a medical device presence to Salt Lake City, and AirBuild adds 15 renewable energy positions in Green River. Utah’s breadth of investment across sectors and geographies earned it a well-deserved Silver.”

Learn more about EDCUtah’s business expansion and relocation services.

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If you were involved with this project and would like 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.

Ogden City is one of 15 Utah communities taking advantage of EDCUtah’s Community Match Grant program in 2024.

On May 13-18, 2024, Ogden City Business Development is hosting a week-long celebration of the aerospace & defense and advanced materials manufacturing industries. Acceler8 Wasatch Week was organized in partnership with Acceler8 Wasatch, 47G, Utah Advanced Materials Manufacturing Initiative, Weber State University, APEX Accelerator, Catalyst Accelerator Ogden, and Hill Air Force Base.

“Ogden is a community of makers – both of things and relationships that are crucial to the success of the aerospace and defense industry,” said Liesl Limburg, Ogden City business recruitment manager. “Ogden City boasts an environment that emboldens technology and innovation, supporting the current needs of industry while also looking ahead to the future.”

The goal of Acceler8 Wasatch Week is to inspire collaboration, innovation, and business growth to further the trajectory of Northern Utah’s growing role in national defense. Ogden City is using EDCUtah Community Match Grant funds to host one of the business networking opportunities available throughout the week.

EDCUtah Community Match Grants provide funding to cities and counties in support of specific economic development projects, professional development opportunities, and welcoming and belonging initiatives. Funding for the grant program comes from EDCUtah’s annual Golf for Grants fundraising tournament, which brings together EDCUtah investors for a day of networking on the links while supporting local communities.

Other 2024 EDCUtah match grant recipients include:

• Bear River Association of Governments
• Cache County
• Brigham City
• City Cedar City
• Cottonwood Heights
• Davis County
• Kane County
• Murray City
• Ogden City
• Payson City
• San Juan County
• Sandy City
• Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments
• Utah County
• West Jordan

Application deadlines for the 2024-2025 fiscal year will be announced in the coming months. Community Match Grants are available exclusively to EDCUtah public sector investors. Explore the benefits of investing with EDCUtah.

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

500 jobs
200,000 sq. ft.
$28 million capex
Project Raider

Congratulations to West Valley City! Karman Space & Defense, a leading manufacturer of energetic components, structures, and integrated systems, has announced plans to invest $28 million in a new advanced manufacturing facility in West Valley City. The project is expected to create 500 new jobs over the next 20 years, supporting long-term economic growth and strengthening Utah’s advanced aerospace and defense manufacturing ecosystem.

“We are excited to have Karman Space & Defense bring their groundbreaking technology to West Valley City,” said Karen Lang, mayor of West Valley City. “Companies continue to come to West Valley City because of our strong business community and our easy access location along the Wasatch Front. Karman will add to the growing list of integral West Valley City companies in the Aerospace and Defense sector. We appreciate this investment in our city by Karman Space & Defense and how it will strengthen our local economy and create new job opportunities for our residents.”

“EDCUtah is proud to support companies that strengthen Utah’s aerospace and defense ecosystem,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah. “Karman’s systems play an important role in a wide range of space and defense applications, and their presence reinforces the strength of this industry in our state. Many of Karman’s suppliers and customers are already located in the Salt Lake area, and this expansion will further connect and bolster our regional ecosystem. We commend the continued growth of Utah’s aerospace and defense sector and the strong collaboration that makes it possible.”

Karman Space and Defense specializes in providing critical, next-generation systems for the space and defense industries, with a focus on propulsion, payload protection, and hydro/aerodynamic interstage systems. This economic incentive makes Utah a preferred location for the Company’s UAS launcher and nozzle production operation as the company scales its capacity.

“We are expanding our presence in Utah to increase production for key programs that protect the U.S. and its allies,” said Jonathan Beaudoin, chief operating officer of Karman Space & Defense. “Our new manufacturing hub in the Salt Lake area will place us closer to customers, provide access to a skilled talent pool, and position us for continued growth.  We are grateful for the support we have received from Governor Cox, GOEO, EDCUtah, and Mayor Lang as our presence in Utah grows.”

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) assisted the project by approving Karman Aerospace & Defense for Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF).

“Strategic incentives like these give Utah an advantage in attracting high-impact projects that establish essential infrastructure and advanced manufacturing in our state,” said Jefferson Moss, executive director of GOEO. “By supporting long-term investments in sectors like aerospace and defense, we cultivate a resilient economy that offers high-paying job opportunities in fields that are well-positioned for the future.”

This project was supported through close collaboration with key economic development partners across Utah. Special thanks to 47G, GOEO, and West Valley City for their engagement and support throughout the expansion process, including coordination related to potential EDTIF consideration and site location efforts.

Spencer Layton, business development manager, led Project Raider for EDCUtah.

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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.

Delta Air Lines has operated in Utah since 1986, when it acquired Western Airlines. Growing its Salt Lake City schedule from 115 daily flights to 255 today, Delta’s investment in Utah has had a profound impact on our state’s business climate. We caught up with Brie Davis, regional sales manager of Delta Air Lines global sales, to learn how Delta supports Utah’s business community and infrastructure.

17 jobs
Project Falcons

Congratulations to Weber County! Auria – a mission-driven enterprise advancing space, missile defense, and cybersecurity through cutting-edge software and engineering solutions – has established operations in Weber County. The company has already created 17 new jobs since arriving in Utah in 2021.

Auria’s expansion to Utah from Colorado was supported by collaboration from EDCUtah and the Northern Utah Economic Alliance (NUEA).

During a Utah site visit in 2021, Auria met with Chris Roybal of NUEA, who was key to providing introductions and support that advanced the expansion project by connecting Auria with essential state and local partners.

“Auria’s decision to expand in northern Utah is a tremendous win for our region,” said Chris Roybal, president of Northern Utah Economic Alliance (NUEA). “High-paying aerospace and defense jobs like these not only strengthen our economy, but also affirm that northern Utah continues to be a prime destination for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and national defense leadership.”

“Utah’s aerospace and defense industry is one of the state’s strongest economic drivers,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah. “The established companies that already call Utah home serve as anchors that attract new businesses, creating a thriving ecosystem that reinforces the industry as a whole. Auria’s expansion to Utah is a testament to the continued innovation and quality job creation happening across the sector and throughout our state.”

Auria is a mission-driven technology company that designs, engineers, and delivers advanced software solutions for space, satellite, and national security applications. It focuses on space operations, missile defense, cyber protection, and strategic deterrence systems, serving government, commercial, and international partners. Formed on January 1, 2024, through the merger of four leading space and defense firms—Boecore, Orbit Logic, Ascension Engineering Group, and La Jolla Logic—Auria was established to unify expertise and innovation in support of complex missions that ensure global security and advance space capabilities.

“There are so many factors that make Utah an enjoyable place to do business. The workforce in Utah is phenomenal, thanks to the number and quality of higher education institutions, along with the strong State support for education. Additionally, we found that Utah is a very attractive place to live for many aspiring engineers,” said Todd Young, Auria’s vice president of strategic & defense solutions. “With our headquarters in Colorado Springs, it felt like a natural progression to expand work into friendly and neighboring Utah. We look forward to continuing our work and expanding our presence here.”‍

Erin Farr, deputy director and VP business development, led Project Falcons for EDCUtah.

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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.

Each year, the EDCUtah research team publishes data on several key industry clusters in Utah. These industry profiles include information like cost comparisons, labor density, and key employers in the industry. More recently, 47G commissioned EDCUtah to conduct an in-depth analysis of Utah’s broader aerospace, defense, and security industries.

The 47G Report set out to quantify the economic impact of aerospace and defense activity in Utah, as well as adjacent industries such as advanced materials manufacturing and cybersecurity technology. The report also evaluates the Beehive State’s competitive advantages in related industries. It offers valuable insights to better inform 47G members, Utah policymakers, and corporate expansion clients looking to bring their aerospace, defense, and security operations to Utah.

Here are a few takeaways from the report:

1. Large Portion of Utah’s Economy

The EDCUtah Research team analyzed data collected by multiple federal, state, and private organizations to examine the broader aerospace and defense industry in Utah. The broader industry includes the traditional guided missile and aerospace vehicle parts manufacturing as well as national security, space research, and their critical supply chains. Because of tech’s growing influence on aerospace and defense, sectors like artificial intelligence, cyber security, machine learning, and other activities critical to domestic and internet security are included in the analysis.

This broader definition of aerospace and defense yields impressive statistics that demonstrate its importance to Utah’s economy. In 2023, the industry:

• Represented 19.2% of Utah’s gross domestic product

• Contributed to nearly 500,000 jobs

• Generated nearly $100 billion in total economic output

• Contributed $1.6 billion in direct annual tax revenue

2. Utah’s Unique Assets

Utah has a rich history and legacy of aerospace and defense in the state. The state is home to multiple military installations, research facilities, and private companies that contribute to the success of the industry.

Since its establishment in 1939, Hill Air Force Base has been a key installation specializing in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul. It is also home to the Ogden Air Logistics Complex, which maintains and modernizs Air Force aircraft and weapon systems. Other notable military installations in Utah include Camp Williams, the Roland R. Wright National Guard Base, and the Tooele Army Depot, among others.

According to the Milken Institute, the University of Utah ranks no. 1 in the institute’s Technology Transfer and Commercialization Index and Brigham Young University ranks no. 4. This index measures a university’s efficacy of utilizing its research and development capabilities to develop new technologies that can be applied outside of the university. These two universities ranked higher than notable universities such as Stanford University and the Massachussetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Utah is also home to research facilities such as the Space Dynamics Lab at Utah State University, Falcon Hill Aerospace and Research Park, and the Dugway Proving Grounds. These facilities contribute to the advancement of space and weapons research that are critical to both the nation’s defense and Utah’s strong economy.

Finally, Utah is home to companies such as Boeing, Duncan Aviation, L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman—many of which had at least one corporate expansion project with EDCUtah. These companies contribute to maintaining a highly skilled labor force in Utah and, in turn, benefit from the state’s significant educational assets.

3. Impact Analysis

EDCUtah estimated the total economic impact of the broader aerospace, defense, and security industry. This analysis is comprised of three four parts: direct, indirect, induced, and total impact.

The direct impact is the immediate, quantifiable metric in the industry. For example, the industry employs over 236,000 individuals directly in the industry. Additionally, businesses in the industry require inputs for the goods and services that they provide. In engaging with the broader economy to acquire these inputs, they create jobs and income that is captured as indirect impact. Finally, the wages of the direct and indirect employees are spent on the broader economy, creating induced impact. The total impact simply combines the direct, indirect and induced impacts to see how the industry affects the region’s economy.

The results of this analysis show that the industry has a doubling effect on employment with a multiple of 2.02. This means that every direct job in the industry results in another job due to its indirect or induced effects. While the multiples aren’t quite as large for the output and compensation numbers, they are still notable with total impacts of 1.77 and 1.86.

For a deeper dive into the aerospace, defense, and security industry in Utah, contact EDCUtah at connect@edcutah.org or 47G at contact@47g.org. This report is not yet accessible online, but a physical copy may be requested.

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Each month, EDCUtah’s Research Minute highlights interesting economic development data and timely research insights. Want more data? Explore the benefits of investing with EDCUtah.

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

Located in Utah County and just 50 miles south of Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Provo Airport (PVU) is Utah’s second busiest airport and one of the fastest growing regional airports in the U.S.

In 2022, Provo City worked with Layton Construction – an EDCUtah Builder’s Circle Investor – to complete a significant expansion of Provo Airport, opening a 70,000 sq. ft. terminal with four gates. Jeff Palmer, executive vice president at Layton Construction said of the project, “We were brought on early in design to manage costs, accelerate the schedule and ultimately construct this exciting project for Provo. Few projects are as rewarding as this airport due to the immense impact it has had on the entire County.”

Now, Provo Airport and Layton Construction are scheduled to begin work to expand the facility to ten gates later this year – a reflection of and a further accelerant to the area’s ongoing industry growth. We caught up with PVU airport director Brian Torgersen to learn more about how the airport supports local residents, Utah businesses, and Provo City’s strategy for the future.

For readers who may not be familiar with Provo Airport, what should they know?

Well, first of all, Provo Airport offers commercial service. We have direct flights to 16 destinations, including San Francisco, Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, Washington DC, and Orlando. We like to say that with one connection, you can fly anywhere in the world from Provo.

American Airlines, through its partnership with SkyWest Airlines, is flying 65-passenger planes. Allegiant Air is flying 186-passenger planes, and Breeze is flying 123-passenger planes. Given the length of our runways, 85 percent of the planes that make up the entire U.S. commercial fleet could operate here, so there’s room for expansion in the future for all but the biggest wide-body aircraft.

From a passenger perspective, Provo Airport is also highly convenient and stress-free. Long-term parking is located less than 100 yards from the terminal, making for a short walk to ticketing, security screening, and baggage. All four gates are spacious and accommodating. One frequent business traveler told me that, with carry-on luggage, “seatbelt off to seatbelt on” is just eight minutes. That means when he lands, he’s off the plane and in his car in eight minutes!

What are your travel volumes?

In 2021, we had 77, 217 annual passenger enplanements – essentially passenger boardings. Several years ago, a study projected that we would reach 400,000 annual enplanements – or passenger boardings – by 2035. In 2022, we hit 211,741 enplanements. In 2024, we rose to 448,972. That’s a decade ahead of schedule, and the pace at which we’re growing is a driving factor in the plans to expand to ten gates.

There are 3,300 commercial airports in the country. We ranked no. 9 in the U.S. for passenger growth last year. When you look at airports with more than 100,000 annual enplanements, we were no. 2 in rate of growth, second only to Guam International which is still recovering to pre-pandemic passenger numbers. Our 481 percent growth rate since 2021 tops in the nation in pure commercial passenger growth.

How does the airport fit within Provo City’s growth plans?

Provo City Mayor Michelle Kaufusi speaks of the four “Provo pillars” – the city is Welcoming, Safe and Sound, Economically Vibrant, and Forward-Looking. The airport has a role in each of those pillars. Our space here is clean, well-organized, and secure. Our staff are friendly, and travelers feel welcome and safe here. The airport is a gateway to the world for our business community, so it contributes to economic vibrancy. And our ongoing planning process is certainly forward-looking.

As part of that planning process, we convene a meeting with local businesses several times a year. It’s our focus group to keep tabs on the business market and better serve our business’s travel needs.

We also keep tabs on our overall economic impact. In July 2022, the airport’s operations had direct, indirect, and induced economic benefits to Provo and Utah County of $131 million. That included tax revenues of $2.2 million. In November 2024, those figures rose to $209 million and $2.9 million. Airports like ours are economic drivers. It’s one of the reasons that Utah County has allocated $78 million in funding over the next 15 years to complete future expansion. We want to be, in the mayor’s words, “infrastructure ready” for the 2034 Winter Olympics and beyond.

There’s a large Utah Valley University (UVU) building adjacent to the airport. What’s the airport’s relationship to the university?

UVU has two main operations at the airport. The University has a flight school with approximately 120 students in flight training. This is helping fill the pipeline for commercial and general aviation pilots.

The university also administers the Utah Fire Rescue Academy at the airport. It offers a wide range of training classes to firefighters statewide. These are other examples of us being forward-looking and infrastructure ready.

How do you promote the airport to major airlines?

We attend several industry meetings a year, which are essentially speed dates with the airlines. On the business side, we pitch that Provo City is at the heart of Silicon Slopes and ranked 15 out of 403 U.S. metro areas in the Milken Institute’s 2025 Best Performing Cities report. We promote the amount of passenger traffic generated by local businesses, our two local universities, and other huge travel generators like the Missionary Training Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On the leisure side, we’re a half-hour drive to Sundance Mountain Resort and an hour to Snowbird or Deer Valley’s new East Village. We’re a three-hour drive to Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks. And we have a lot of residents who love to travel to Disneyland and Disney World.

The gate expansion will allow us to add carriers and routes. The airlines see the growth in the Provo-Orem Metropolitan Service Area, as well as Juab and Wasatch Counties. They see our potential for international travel. And they know the fees we charge the airlines are lower than those charged at Salt Lake City International Airport.

With that said, we’re not a competitive threat to SLC, nor are we planning to be. We’ll never be that big. We see ourselves as complementary to SLC – similar to the way, say, Long Beach Airport (LGB) complements Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). For a segment of the Utah market, we can be a convenient alternative to SLC.

About Provo Airport

Total acreage: 869

Two runways: 8,603-ft and 6,628-ft

Commercial carriers: Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Breeze

Gates: Four terminal-based gates and one temporary tarmac-based gate

Parking spaces and rates: 2,000 spaces, $12 per day

Car rental companies: Budget, Hertz, A to B

Utah Transit Authority bus service: Bus Route 833 hourly starting at 7:42 am until 6:44 pm

Direct destinations:

• AUS Austin

• AZA Mesa

• BNA Nashville

• DFW Dallas – Fort Worth

• HOU Houston

• IAD Washington DC – Dulles

• LAS Las Vegas

• MCO Orlando

• MDW Chicago

• PDX Portland

• PHX Phoenix

• SAN San Diego

• SBD San Bernardino

• SFB Orlando

• SFO San Francisco

• SNA Santa Ana

Website: https://airport.provo.gov/

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“Building Together” highlights examples of the collective impact of your investment and EDCUtah’s work in communities across the state. 

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