100 jobs
100,000 sq. ft.
Project Queue

Congratulations to Quad MX Solutions “Quad” and Salt Lake City! Quad, a leading marketing experience company, announced plans to establish a new 100,000-square-foot packaging manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. The facility is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2026 and will create up to 100 new jobs, expanding Quad’s presence and manufacturing capabilities in Utah.

“Quad deliberately chose Salt Lake City because our position as the Crossroads of the West allows them to deliver faster and more efficiently for their customers,” said Lorena Riffo Jenson, the director of Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development. “We are thrilled to welcome them to Salt Lake City and to see our manufacturing portfolio continue to diversify. I’m confident our talented workforce will exceed their expectations.”

Quad is a global marketing experience company that helps brands connect with consumers through integrated creative, production, media, technology, and data-driven solutions. Its capabilities span digital and traditional marketing, print, packaging, and in-store experiences, helping leading brands streamline production, improve efficiency, and bring products and campaigns to market more effectively.

“EDCUtah is excited to support Quad MX Solutions as it establishes a western presence in Salt Lake City,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah. “Salt Lake City offers Quad MX Solutions a strategic location to connect with its growing network and expand its reach across the West. We look forward to seeing the companies they support in Utah and throughout the region, and the opportunities their growth will bring to our state.”

This is an important milestone for Quad’s packaging offering,” said Joel Quadracci, Chairman and CEO of Quad. “By rounding out a national manufacturing footprint for packaging, Quad is making it easier for clients to reduce lead times, improve logistics efficiency and scale packaging programs across multiple regions while maintaining the quality, consistency and partnership they expect from us.”

The project win was the result of collaboration with many EDCUtah partners including real estate, municipal governments, state agencies, employment agencies, educational institutions, and industry associations.

Former EDCUtah business development manager, Rex Buys, led Project Queue for EDCUtah. Please contact Erin Farr with any questions. ‍

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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.

25 jobs
55,000 sq. ft.
Project Smokejumper

Central States, Inc., an employee-owned metal manufacturing company, recently held a ribbon cutting for its new facility in Tooele, Utah. Central States produces metal building components for residential, commercial, and agricultural projects.

The company first announced its expansion to Tooele City in June 2023, after working with EDCUtah, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, and several Utah partners to evaluate locations for their next manufacturing facility. One year after discussing the project’s early plans, we caught up with CEO Jim Sliker to discuss this major milestone and what’s next for the company’s Utah operations. ‍

Looking back over the past year, what have been the major milestones leading to the ribbon cutting?

Sliker: Like any large construction project, there were the typical steps—breaking ground, closing the building, installing and validating equipment. But this plant is unique for us because it’s our first facility west of the Rocky Mountains. That brought new challenges in supply chain, logistics, and business processes.

One big milestone was hiring a plant manager. Jered Chandler relocated his family to Utah to take on that role, and he’s been the boots on the ground, leading the project.

Another milestone was resolving power supply issues. We worked closely with Rocky Mountain Power, and once we knew that was no longer a pacing item, it was a huge relief.

We also built a new supply chain strategy, including rail service directly into the back of the facility—another first for us. Validating that logistics model was key. And finally, beginning to hire and train our first group of employees was critical to preparing for production.

Hiring has been a big part of the process. How is that going so far?

Sliker: We currently have a small team of eight, with a mix of relocations and local hires, but we’re ramping up quickly. Our immediate need is production technicians, the frontline people making our products. Getting them hired and trained is essential so that when the plant is ready, we can serve customers right away.

We’re working with Tooele Mayor Debbie Winn, local partners, and others to make sure our total rewards package—pay, profit sharing, stock ownership, and benefits—is competitive in this market. ‍

Central States is an employee-owned company. How does that ownership model shape a project like this?

Sliker: Employee ownership is central to everything we do. Our purpose is to provide well-being and financial freedom for employee-owners and their families. That drives decisions like this expansion.

We also want to integrate new employee-owners into our culture right away—helping them understand our DNA, our promise to customers, and how the business works. Just as importantly, we want to connect with the community. Even before having people on the ground in Tooele, we supported the Tooele Chamber of Commerce, food drives, and local causes. That’s part of who we are: we live here, work here, and serve here. ‍

You mentioned rail access earlier. Was that a factor in choosing this site?

Sliker: Rail access wasn’t a requirement for us at the start, but once we realized that it was an option for this new plant, it became a differentiator. Having direct rail service into the facility reduces logistics costs and improves efficiency. It definitely influenced our final decision.

What message would you like to share with Utah’s business community and potential workforce?

Sliker: This is the first time in our 36-year history that we’ve opened two plants in the same calendar year, which speaks to the strength of our team and the confidence our employee-owners have in this company. Tooele will be our 13th and westernmost plant, giving us a gateway to serve U.S. customers all the way to the Pacific.

For anyone considering joining our team, we’re an employee-owned company where you can be an owner from day one. If you value serving customers, taking ownership, and working in a culture defined by accountability and care for one another, this is a place you can thrive.

Tooele is our kind of town. The people here, the civic responsibility, and the cooperative spirit align perfectly with who we strive to be as a company. We’re proud to call Utah home.

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

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

250 jobs
$189 million capex
Project Interlocken

Congratulations to Salt Lake City! Stadler, a global leader in designing and building rail vehicles—ranging from modular regional and commuter trains to trams, intercity, high-speed, and specialty rolling stock, as well as advanced signalling and full-life-cycle services—has announced plans to expand its existing operations in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company intends to create 250 jobs and invest $189 million in Utah over the next 15 years.

“Stadler Rail’s expansion is a clear example of human-centered economic development in action—innovation that leads to good jobs and sustainable growth for Salt Lakers,” said Lorena Riffo Jenson, director of Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development. “With a $70 million investment, 250 new jobs, and room to grow even more in the future, this project strengthens our local workforce and ensures that opportunity is created here at home. Salt Lake City is proud to support investments that double down on our people while fueling the next chapter of economic growth.

The company’s announcement was the result of collaboration among Salt Lake City, EDCUtah, the Utah Inland Port Authority, and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO). EDCUtah reintroduced Stadler Rail to GOEO’s EDTIF incentive program and encouraged the company to apply. EDCUtah has supported Stadler Rail since 2016, when the company first began exploring an expansion into the United States. During that process, Stadler chose Utah for its central location in the West and strong workforce.

“Stadler Rail is laying tracks for innovation right here in Salt Lake City, where they are building electric and hydrogen rail systems that ship across the country,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah. Their products and commitment to workforce training are moving the rail industry full steam ahead, and Utah’s advanced manufacturing industry continues to be a catalyst for innovation and growth.”

Stadler Rail, a Swiss-based global leader in railway manufacturing, operates 16 production and component plants, six engineering centers, and more than 80 service locations worldwide, employing over 15,000 people from 75 countries. Its U.S. headquarters and primary manufacturing facility are in Salt Lake City, where the company builds a wide range of rail vehicles for the North American market, including light rail, metro, diesel-electric, and hydrogen-powered trains. Stadler US has delivered on high-profile projects including metro trains for Atlanta’s MARTA and America’s first hydrogen-powered trains for California. Recently announced, Stalder will build the Utah Transit Authority’s next-generation TRAX light-rail system.

“Since we opened our Salt Lake City facility in 2019, we’ve secured critical contracts, created hundreds of high-skilled jobs and firmly established Utah as a center of excellence in rail manufacturing,” said Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler North America. “Thanks to the support of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity we are expanding our plant to boost production capacity and further invest in the training and expertise of our local workforce—strengthening both Stadler’s U.S. operations and the economic future of Utah.”

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

“Railway manufacturing drives high-quality job creation, strengthens Utah’s advanced manufacturing sector, and positions the state as a hub for innovation and next-generation transportation,” said Jefferson Moss, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Stadler’s growth highlights how global companies are drawn to Utah’s pro-business environment and innovative spirit. Investments like this create lasting value — for our economy and for Utahns through skilled careers and stronger communities.”

Stadler was also approved for an incentive by the Utah Inland Port Authority Board on March 24, 2025. The incentive allows a maximum of 10 percent of Stadler’s property tax liability to be rebated over 25 years. This post-performance rebate is part of UIPA’s efforts to support targeted industries within project areas. By incentivizing investments like these, UIPA aims to promote economic growth while fostering significant investments in public infrastructure.

“This investment solidifies Utah as a premier hub for cutting-edge passenger rail manufacturing,” Ben Hart, executive director of UIPA, said in March. “Stadler’s expansion will bring high-quality jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and drive innovation in zero-emission passenger rail technology—exactly the kind of growth we aim to support.”‍

Jared Stewart, senior business development manager, led Project Interlocken 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.

223 jobs
$34.1 million capex
Project Case 2025

Congratulations to Clearfield City and Davis County! ACS Manufacturing, a manufacturer that designs and builds acoustical equipment enclosures—specifically for backup generators used in data centers, hospitals, and other critical industries—has announced plans to expand operations in Clearfield City. The company plans to create 223 new jobs and invest $34.1 million in Utah over the next 10 years.

The company’s announcement was the result of a collaboration among Spencer Brimley of Clearfield City, Davis County, EDCUtah, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, and the Northern Utah Economic Alliance.

Jeff Richards of CBRE Salt Lake City, who represented ACS Manufacturing during the project, brought the project lead to EDCUtah. EDCUtah worked closely with the project team to support the decision-making process and connected the company with key state and local partners.

“Clearfield City is thrilled to welcome ACS Manufacturing’s expansion,” said Mark Shepherd, mayor of Clearfield City. “This expansion will bring over 200 new jobs to our city and is a testament to our shared vision to strengthen Clearfield. We’re honored to be the home of the expansion and look forward to their continued success.”

“ACS Manufacturing will play a key role in supporting important industries across the state by manufacturing critical support systems right here in Utah,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah. “We appreciate our strong partnerships in northern Utah and the support from GOEO in providing an incentive to help bring this project to life. ACS Manufacturing has an important role in providing redundant and reliable systems. Additionally, they are creating high-wage jobs and delivering significant value to the community of Clearfield in Davis County.”

ACS Manufacturing is a specialty manufacturer that designs, engineers, and fabricates equipment for power generation, data centers, and other industries. It focuses on acoustical enclosures, fuel tanks, turbine systems, and skids, often serving as a single-source provider for complex projects. Incorporated in 1994 and founded on the principle that elegant solutions emanate from applying fundamental engineering principles, ACS was formed to meet the expressed need for single source, turnkey delivery of complex projects.

“As demand for our products continues to accelerate at a rapid pace, expanding our manufacturing operations in Utah is a strategic step forward,” said Dan Knox, CEO of ACS. “Utah offers a unique and compelling business environment, including its proximity to key customers and a deep pool of highly skilled labor. But what truly sets Utah apart is the exceptional work ethic of its people. We’re excited to invest in a region that shares our commitment to quality, innovation, and excellence in everything we do.”

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

“Utah’s manufacturing sector is a key driver of our state’s economic resilience and prosperity,” said Jefferson Moss, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Companies like ACS Manufacturing are at the forefront of positioning Utah as a hub for technological advancement and innovation. Their growth creates high-quality jobs, strengthens our communities, and bolsters the state’s economy.”‍

Jared Stewart, senior business development manager, led Project Case 2025 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.