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.”

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

In November 2023, Ogden City welcomed Ya YA Foods to the city’s business community. Ya YA Foods, a Canadian based company, announced it would bringing more than 300 new jobs to Ogden, Utah, over the next ten years. The company is bringing new jobs to Ogden at a quicker pace than initially anticipated, thanks in part to the qualities of Utah’s workforce.

Ogden City’s Engineering Division and Economic Development Division has also been collaborating with Ya YA Foods on utility line upgrades that will greatly improve the city’s residential and business infrastructure.

We caught up with Ya YA Foods president Yahya Abbas to learn more about the company’s experience opening its first U.S. operations in Utah.

When your company decided upon expanding, what factors led you to Utah?

Most of our operations are in Toronto, and Utah is our first site in the U.S. We looked at Arizona and Texas and Utah. Because we wanted to have a western U.S. location, Utah was the most reasonable and sensible place for us to expand. Then came the opportunity to partner with Oatly at their Ogden City location. That’s how it all came together.

Our agreement with Oatley has us assuming the production of their finished products. It’s a long-term agreement, and it gives us an anchor customer for the Ogden site. This will allow us to expand on the site and serve other customers, too. ‍

What prompted the decision to expand?

It was customer driven. We have the same customer base in Canada and the U.S.: long-established clients who are expanding and who need a trusted production partner in the western United States.  Some of them are multi-national corporations, and one has done business with us for more than 34 years. The newest client has done business with us for eight years.

How would you categorize the jobs you are bringing to Utah?

We employ a lot of engineers and technicians – highly-paid, skilled labor. In our business, we focus on automation, so we need the talent. If I’m not mistaken, we pay very well for that talent in this market.

We relocated only five people from Toronto. They bring expertise, and they train the rest of the people in the plant. Our focus is hiring in Utah. We want to prepare Utah employees to be leaders, to scale up the business. So far, it’s working very well.

How’s the hiring going?

At the beginning, this expansion was projected to be 100 jobs in the near term. Right now, we’re at 150 jobs. By the end of this year, we’ll add another 67. In the first six months of 2025, we should add another 100 jobs. I think this site will eventually reach 400 employees.

Ogden City has given us many leads for finding talent, such as the university and the local community college. It’s interesting that through the job fairs and other events, we’ve actually seen people from other states coming to Utah looking to work for us. Idaho, California, Texas, Arizona… Maybe in all, 14 of these out-of-state people have been hired, but that’s significant for us. Because of our focus on technology in the manufacturing process and our pay scales, we’re getting attraction. Plus living in Northern Utah has lower costs than other parts of the country.

Northern Utah is a region known for the strength of its manufacturing sector. What’s been your impression so far?

I believe that about Northern Utah, yes. We are very impressed with the workforce in Utah. For one thing, when we ask employees to do something a specific way, a lot of repetition is not needed. We tell them once, and it happens. They get it.

The other thing is they value their jobs. They are loyal to the employer if the employer is loyal to them. I hadn’t expected that, and it was a nice surprise.

About Ya YA Foods

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Toronto, Ya YA Foods specializes in end-to-end packaging solutions for multinational beverage and liquid food companies across North America. The company has expertise in producing a broad range of aseptic products, including plant-based milk for companies such as Oatly, high-protein beverages, juices, broths, sports drinks, dairy-based drinks, and more.

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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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Manufacturing is a significant growth sector for the Utah economy thanks to companies like Central States Manufacturing. The company announced an expansion in Tooele City in June 2023, after working with EDCUtah and several Utah partners to evaluate locations for their next manufacturing facility.

An employee-owned business headquartered in Arkansas, Central States produces metal building components for residential, commercial, and agricultural projects. We caught up with CEO Jim Sliker to learn more about the company’s values and why it selected Utah and Tooele City for its expansion.‍

What prompted Central States’ expansion into Utah?

We’ve got big growth goals, and we’ve been blessed with results. When I stepped into this role, we had revenues of $265 million. This year, we’re going to close around $900 million in revenue. We doubled the number of our locations, and we’re expanding our reach regularly. We also reached a point in our business where we have enough sales west of the Rocky Mountains to support a western expansion.

We narrowed our western expansion down to three states, and we ultimately selected Utah for two reasons: Utah offers valuable logistics advantages, and we felt we could be successful hiring in Utah. In this day and age, the hardest thing about growing a company is securing and retaining talent. ‍

What’s your experience working with the EDCUtah, Tooele City, and others?

From the very beginning, we experienced successful and open dialogue with everyone from EDCUtah, Tooele City, and other parties. I’ve been able to talk about our needs, concerns, and constraints openly and honestly. All parties are interested in finding win-win solutions, and we continue to receive support as we establish operations.

Tim Ruger, our business unit president over the facility, and I put boots on the ground to get feel for the communities we were considering. I met with Tooele City Mayor Debbie Winn, her team, and other community partners. A local company was kind enough to show us their operations. I also participated in a local community service project.

I was super impressed with Tooele City Mayor Debbie Winn. She truly cares about her constituents, and she wants to improve their well-being. She is a partner with businesses, easy to work with, and very transparent.

Tooele fits our culture, and everybody I met had that “own it, can do, act in love” mindset. We thrive in small towns – and it’s also a growing area, so the number of potential candidates is there. After the visit, Tim and I looked at each other and said, “This feels like home.”  ‍

When do you anticipate the Tooele facility to be up and running?

This plant is our 12^th U.S. manufacturing facility, and it will be one of our largest at approximately 115,000 square feet. It will support our full product line for current large customers and new partners from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific. Over the next five years, the company plans to invest over $25 million in the facility. It will have the capacity for three operational shifts, like most of our plants.

We named Jered Chandler the Tooele plant manager in September. Our current plan of record is to commission the site in May. In late March, we hope to do an open house, introduce ourselves to the community, do a big service project, and hold a recruiting fair. We might even do something fun like a community cookout.

We want to introduce ourselves and give people an understanding of who we are and what we’re about. We would then start hiring. Our commitment to Utah is to hire 150 jobs over the next five years. We’ll start out with a single shift of operation, but I’m excited to see that grow over five years, and I’m very optimistic about the plan we’ve got together. We’re happy to be part of the Utah family.

‍Tell us more about what it means to be employee-owned.

We’re a purpose-driven company. Our purpose is to provide well-being and financial freedom for employee owners and their families. We really live by it. It’s our true north. Part of this approach requires a meaningful compensation and benefits programs. It also takes training and development to help employees be all they can be and to find satisfaction in their jobs.

Employee ownership is our primary vehicle to financial freedom. We all have skin in the game and a stake in the outcome. Employees are an owner on day one of employment. At the end of every year, our share price is determined by a third-party, independent, unbiased trustee. Our employees get a contribution of stock, based on a percent of their earnings.

This keeps us focused on customer service. We operate in line with our values, and so that we can successfully grow the business and the share price—which accumulates wealth for all the employee owners.

Our values can be described in three simple phrases: Own It, Can Do, Act in Love.

We have a commitment to the customer, the company, and each other before self in that order. We’re trying to make raving fans out of our customers by being easy to work with, having a high degree of quality, and caring about our customer’s business as much as we care about our own.

We want to be reliable and do good work. We’re not perfect by any means. There are going to be constraints, there will be things that go wrong, and there will be things we don’t do well. We understand the need for change and we’re open to it. We take pride in what we do, and we try to understand root causes to get better.

We delegate the decision-making authority to the frontline employees who serve our customers. Our people can determine pricing, address issues, and approve reimbursements. We trust the owners to do a good job for customers.

When our customers visit our plants, the first thing they notice is that our people care about their work and the people around them. Our customers love their delivery drivers, they love their inside-sales people. That’s because we also strive to act in love. The word love for us is an everyday feeling. With every interpersonal interaction we have, either inside the company or externally, we get to choose how we act. We choose patience, kindness, and humility.

Those are our values, the foundational pillars of our culture—and that’s what makes us special.

How does being employee-owned impact the company’s goals and strategy?

Central States is the first company that I’ve worked for that’s employee owned. I’ve been here 11 years, but I don’t think my personal strategy has had to change. My philosophy and actions—transparency in the business, sharing all the scorecards, communicating financial results to all staff—already align with employee ownership. It’s my job to serve the people here.

The biggest difference is that when we set strategies, we evaluate whether it will help us provide well-being and financial freedom for employee owners and their families.

We have never had a layoff, nor would we ever, unless it was to truly protect the company from catastrophic conditions. We’re in the construction industry. It is very cyclical, and we go through ups and downs. But during COVID-19, for example, we never even talked about layoffs. That creates some challenges in the business in how we deal with business cycles.

The other big change for me is the passion. I love that people in this company speak freely. They challenge the business. They challenge me. That creates such a great dynamic inside the organization.

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

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

210 jobs
Project Tomcat

Today, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) are pleased to announce that Precision Hermetic Technology plans to bring 210 new, high-paying jobs in Utah over the next 10 years.

“We are thrilled to welcome Precision Hermetic Technology’s expansion to Utah,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Utah is home to thriving aerospace, defense, and manufacturing industries that demand high-quality, reliable components for advanced systems. Our state will benefit greatly from the company contributing to these industries, job creation, and the state’s economy.”

Precision Hermetic Technology (PHT) specializes in manufacturing high-reliability interconnect products for extreme environments and conditions. Founded in 1989 by Daniel Schachtel, PHT has become a recognized leader in the aerospace and defense sectors, known for its exceptional performance in mission-critical applications. Precision Hermetic Technology proudly holds certifications such as ISO-9000, AS-9100, ITAR, JCP, and NIST-800, enabling it to serve many prime defense contractors.

The company noted, “Precision Hermetic Technology is excited to announce its strategic relocation from Redlands, California, to Ogden, Utah. This move positions PHT for significant growth, with a larger manufacturing space enabling new product lines and added capabilities. Utah’s business-friendly environment and Ogden’s skilled workforce in aerospace and defense perfectly align with PHT’s expansion plans within these industries.”

More than just business, the move brings PHT closer to the owners, who have fostered a personal connection to the state over 20 years of family visits. PHT remains dedicated to its customers and employees, and this relocation promises a bright future.

“Utah’s business-friendly environment and robust aerospace and defense industry continue to attract new companies at all points in the manufacturing supply chain,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president & CEO of EDCUtah. “Precision Hermetics Technology plans to convert vacant office space into a manufacturing facility, and we look forward to seeing the improvements and innovation they’ll bring to Utah’s business community.”

“On behalf of Ogden City, I’m excited to welcome Precision Hermetic Technology to our community. PHT will create high-quality jobs for Ogden residents and further strengthen Northern Utah’s aerospace and defense industry,” said Ben Nadolski, mayor of Ogden City. “We are grateful to the 47G UAMMI Institute for introducing PHT to Ogden, and to EDCUtah and GOEO for supporting this important project.”

‍Spencer Layton, business development analyst, led Project Tomcat for EDCUtah. Cameron Cook from Boyer, an EDCUtah Builder’s Circle investor, worked on the project.

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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.

The manufacturing industry has long played an important role in Utah’s economy, and the share of manufacturing companies in EDCUtah’s corporate expansion pipeline has dramatically increased since 2020.

However, the scale of the projects, their challenges in terms of utilities and talent availability, and the locations considered are all shifting in interesting ways.

In this Q&A, EDCUtah’s business development team discusses trends in the projects bringing manufacturing jobs to Utah.

How many project starts and project wins does EDCUtah typically see from manufacturing companies each year? What industries do they represent?

For the current fiscal year (July 2023 – June 2024), we’ve seen 57 manufacturing facility projects. Of 28 total project wins in that timeframe, 18 have been manufacturing. That’s consistent with patterns we’ve seen since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, when office projects slowed, and manufacturing and distribution came to the fore in our pipeline.

The wins have come from companies in a variety of manufacturing sectors, such as advanced materials, aerospace & defense, energy & natural resources, and life sciences. The rest fall into the “other” category, which includes consumer goods, food manufacturing, and other companies. It’s a good balance.

Why are manufacturing companies interested in Utah? Where in the state are they landing?

Utah’s business environment is primarily attractive for our comparatively lower operating costs. That includes a combination of lower utility costs and talent costs. Costs may not feel low for those of us living here, and the cost gap has been closing over time, but it’s still a factor—especially when we’re recruiting manufacturing companies from coastal U.S. cities. When these companies see Utah average hourly rates for assembly positions, they are blown away. If the company is coming from the Midwest, they are seeing comparable prices or maybe prices that are even lower than Utah’s. However, in the context of our surrounding western states, we’re still doing well on cost.

Utah is also pro-business. Both at the state and local levels, companies can secure permits efficiently, especially for large manufacturing projects.

In terms of locations, manufacturing companies are choosing less urban sites more often. A significant amount of manufacturing facilities is landing on the Wasatch Front “shoulder counties,” in places like Juab County, Tooele County, and Box Elder County. These are places where manufacturing companies can access a large labor pool and lower costs for land or building leases. Five years ago, we didn’t receive many inquiries about some of these places. Now there is a lot of interest. Places like Tooele, Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, Payson, and Box Elder County have growing populations who prefer to work locally rather than commute. This means access to a large labor pool eager to work for new, local employers.

What’s the local impact of manufacturing companies in Utah? 

New, non-residential construction supports local property tax revenue, which helps keep costs lower for cities, offsetting some of the tax burden for residents.

New manufacturing jobs allow residents to live, work, and play in the same community – without having to endure long commutes to other cities.

What role has manufacturing played in Utah’s economy over the years? 

Back in the 1980s, Utah’s economy mostly consisted of agriculture, manufacturing, and mining. Leaders at the state, local, and business levels realized that if we wanted to better weather economic downturns, we needed a more diverse economy. That realization led to the creation of a public-private partnership focused on corporate recruitment: EDCUtah.

As we worked to diversify our economy, the manufacturing industry retained its importance as the backbone of Utah’s economy. Nowadays, it lends an overall steadiness. Utah manufacturing companies have helped our economy to grow in related sectors like life sciences, aerospace and defense, and advanced materials.

What shifts are you seeing in project make-up?

Utah manufacturing companies are growing in or near their current facilities, rather than sinking significant capital into new locations. Some examples are Proctor & Gamble and Nucor expanding their existing operations in Box Elder County. Ionic Mineral Technologies in Provo City, instead of relocating to a new facility elsewhere, is expanding into the building right next door.

Companies are more cautious about their real estate commitments than they were a couple of years ago. It was common for companies to build or lease space that they would eventually grow into, and we saw square footage between 250,000-500,000 for the average project. Now we see companies committing to only what they need and then reevaluating if they grow.

How does utility infrastructure impact location decisions?

Nowadays, power capacity is top of mind. Nationwide utility infrastructure constraints are one reason why companies are pursuing smaller expansions. In some cases, it makes more sense to upgrade the power supply to an existing building – whether owned or leased – than to build a brand-new building with the hope of getting power quickly.

It’s been surprising to see how quickly the issue has snowballed nationwide. Two years ago, consultants and companies were saying power constraints could be a thing on the horizon. At a more recent site selector conference, power was the number one topic. Site selectors expect to see power capacity challenges at most sites across the U.S.

Let’s talk more about the trend of international manufacturing companies testing the Utah market.

The international manufacturing companies coming into the market are hard to categorize. Some, like Fairmat, have established a robust presence here, while other projects have brought in much smaller operations. In the latter cases, the small presence again denotes a cautious approach of testing the market.

A good number are in the clean-tech space. These companies still have a lot of research and development they need to do. And, coming from an emerging industry, their bankability is not as strong as companies in other industries. Investors are more reticent to fund them in a big way. This all leads to starting small.

What’s the impact of federal funding on manufacturing?

When the project seeks federal funds, timelines are like a slinky toy, expanding and contracting. That’s due to funding stipulations, where the company must identify a potential site and community support as part of the application process. The company is not guaranteed to receive federal funding, so it’s a rush to put the application package together followed by a wait to find out whether they receive the funding.

This is another nationwide issue, with mixed results for Utah. Unless you’re already an established manufacturer like Texas Instruments, some of the newer companies are coming in hot with site selection requests, then easing off because they have to wait six to eight months for the federal funding decision. Federal funding has created a lot of interest in Utah sites, but not many projects have landed here yet.

What’s the role of EDCUtah investors in securing manufacturing wins?

Site selectors travel to different markets in the country, and they notice how well Utahns collaborate to solve problems for companies interested in establishing a presence in the state. The consultants often remark on the quality of service they receive in Utah. Whether it’s state government, local government, city engineers, private sector engineering firms, you name it—Utahns work together.

Without our utility providers, manufacturing projects would be impossible to manage. They’ve done a great job supporting the state and getting those projects running.

As talent availability has become a much larger question in the last two years, talent recruitment firms have played a bigger role in the site selection process.

Our general contractors and civil engineering firms are also answering a lot of infrastructure questions upfront—whether it’s around cost data they are seeing in the market, or timelines needed to get a tilt-up concrete building out of the ground. The willingness of EDCUtah investors to share their expertise with potential projects is a huge plus.

What advice would you have for a manufacturing company looking at Utah?

When it comes to manufacturing, Utah performs exceptionally well. So, the first bit of advice is: come take a look. If the company needs utilities, ask about them immediately to determine if it’s possible to set up here. If they have any logistical questions, get those addressed early in the process as well.

Next, partner with EDCUtah! EDCUtah, along with our network of 200 public and private sector investors, helps businesses set up in Utah with ease. It is surprising to some companies, especially those doing their own site selection, how smooth the process can be when they work with a skilled organization like EDCUtah that facilitates every aspect of their potential development.

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“Building Together” highlights examples of the collective impact of EDCUtah and our investors in communities across the state. Do you have a story you’d like us to share? Email connect@edcutah.org.

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

25 jobs
$3 million capex
Project Wasp

Today, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) are pleased to announce that Mountain Billy Gun plans to bring 25 new, high-paying jobs and invest nearly $3 million in rural Utah over the next 5 years.

“Utah is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and draws outdoor enthusiasts from far and wide,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “With outdoor recreation having a central role in Utah culture, we think this growing company will find a welcoming home in Heber Valley.”

As avid hunters, gun enthusiasts, and Second Amendment advocates, founders Eric and Heidi spent the last 30 years working in the firearms industry. Their combined love of shooting activities and need for survival preparations for off-the-grid adventures created a brand of lightweight, compact guns that fire quickly and effectively. Mountain Billy Gun Lab products are tailored for activities from hunting small game and recreating with friends to survival camping.

“Our family has operated a machine shop in Illinois for the past 80 years, and when developing this brand, we had many reasons to operate elsewhere,” said Heidi Schaefer, co-founder of Mountain Billy Gun Lab. “My brother and co-founder, Eric Schmid, resides in Park City and has commuted back and forth to Chicago for the past 12 years. He loves Utah for its landscape, cost of living, and his experience raising his family. Our focus is to grow a business in a state that is gun-friendly, has growth opportunities, and provides a great work/life balance for employees. Utah provides all of that and more, and we could not be more excited to bring Mountain Billy Gun Lab to Heber Valley.”

“Utah is home to world-class outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as a thriving industry for outdoor products,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of EDCUtah.  “We look forward to seeing the growth and success of this family-owned business in Heber Valley.”

“Heber Valley feels honored that, after an extensive nationwide search, Mountain Billy Gun Lab chose to come to our community,” said Dallin Koecher, executive director at Heber Valley tourism, economic development, and Chamber of Commerce. “They will bring great jobs to the valley, and we look forward to working with them as they expand in the future. We welcome Mountain Billy Gun Lab to Heber Valley!”‍

Katherine Morrell-Moser, senior business development manager, led Project Wasp 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.

58 jobs
$24.5 million capex
Project Wrench

Today, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) are pleased to announce that Minova plans to bring 58 new, high-paying jobs and invest nearly $24.5 million in rural Utah over the next 5 years.

“Utah is a state abundant in natural resources that consistently requires safe and efficient infrastructure,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Utah will significantly benefit from Minova’s industry expertise, and we look forward to seeing it strengthen our engineering and manufacturing workforce.”

Minova is an industry leader in ground support and geotechnical solutions for mining, tunneling, and surface ground engineering projects. It is known for high-quality products, technical expertise, and customer problem-solving. The company has a long heritage and a 140-year track record of developing and delivering innovative ground support solutions. Minova proactively develops and nurtures partnerships that deliver value and support customers, securing their safety, performance, and efficiency.

With manufacturing plants across five continents and operations in more than 25 countries, Minova offers customers a full portfolio of solutions consisting of a comprehensive range of bolting systems, injection chemicals, grouts, resin capsules, sprayable membranes, coatings, and services.

Ryan Kerr, CEO of Minova, expressed his enthusiasm about the customer-centric approach, stating, “Minova has always been driven by a commitment to meeting our customers’ unique challenges. The construction of this state-of-the-art facility is a tangible demonstration of our dedication to being close to our customers, understanding their needs, and delivering solutions that meet and exceed their expectations.”

Luke Colton, CFO of Minova, highlighted the long-term aspect of the expansion, stating, “This strategic investment not only demonstrates our commitment to technological advancement but also reflects our confidence in the long-term growth and sustainability of Minova. The new facility will serve as a hub for creative solutions, allowing us to work closely with our customers, address their unique challenges, and collectively shape the future of ground support solutions.”

“In Utah and Tooele, Minova found strong community partners and a skilled, available workforce,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “We’re pleased to see Minova’s investment in Tooele City.”

“Tooele City is thrilled that Minova has chosen to locate at the Peterson Industrial Depot — a growing center for industrial activity, local job growth, and value for our taxpayers,” said Mayor Winn at Tooele City. “We take pride in welcoming Minova to do business in our community.”

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

86 jobs
$160 million capex
Project Fish

Today, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) are pleased to announce that Campbell Soup Company plans to bring 86 new, high-paying jobs and invest nearly $160 million in rural Utah over the next 10 years.

“Pepperidge Farm has been a long-standing pillar in the food industry in northern Utah, and we’re pleased to see the company expand its footprint,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Utah has a diverse and thriving agricultural landscape where companies like Pepperidge Farm can leverage local resources and producers. This expansion will continue to foster partnerships within the local supply chain, create many new jobs, and support the economy in rural Utah.”

The company is investing in its Richmond, Utah bakery to expand production of Goldfish crackers to help meet increased consumer demand. The new line will increase the bakery’s output of Goldfish by 50% and produce over five million Goldfish per hour, or 1,500 Goldfish every second. The expansion also includes the construction of an onsite flour mill that will be separately owned and operated.

“We’re thrilled to be investing in our Richmond bakery to support the growth of our business and the community,” said Chris Foley, executive vice president of Campbell Soup Company and president of Campbell’s Snacks. “We appreciate the support from the state and look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the local economy.”

With a bakery in Richmond and operations in Logan, the company currently employs more than 400 people in the Cache Valley region. The bakery, which has made Pepperidge Farm products for over 50 years, was recently named one of the top employers in northern Utah by the Cache Valley Daily and Cache Valley Media Group.

“Campbell Soup Company has a long-standing history of quality corporate citizenship, and we’re thrilled to see them reinvest in rural Utah,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “This expansion aligns with the state’s focus on food security, and it demonstrates the impact of local community involvement in business retention efforts.”

“Campbell Soup Company brings a welcome expansion to Cache County’s economic and agricultural base,” said Cache County executive, David Zook. “For decades, Pepperidge Farm has been an important employer for Cache County residents, as well as a valued partner to our local farmers.”

Katherine Morrell-Moser, senior business development manager, led Project Fish 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.