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.

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.