Bringing Jobs to Utah

Bringing Jobs to Utah—Success Stories in Manufacturing and Distribution
By Gretta Spendlove
(Published in the Utah Business Journal Dec. 2007)

“Most dynamic economy.” “One of America’s top states for business.” Forbes, CNBC and the Kauffman 2007 State New Economy Index have all recently recognized Utah as a business-friendly place. In the midst of a fragile national economy, aggressive state and local efforts are attracting major companies to Utah, and bringing thousands of jobs.

In 2007, Proctor and Gamble announced plans for a new manufacturing plant near Brigham City, bringing 900 full time jobs and over $400 million in new state wages over the next ten years. Barnes Aerospace is expanding its plant in Ogden, bringing 474 new high technology jobs. Thermo Fisher Scientific is expanding its biotech manufacturing plant in Logan, The Hershey Company has announced a new western distribution center in Ogden, and FiberTEK Insulation is establishing a fiberglass insulation plant in Nephi. These projects are on the “Top 10” list of 2007 corporate investment and community impact projects, assembled by the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

Jonathan Cohen , vice president of relocation for Coldwell Banker, explains one way in which attracting new business to Utah creates ripples of benefit throughout the state’s economy. Companies which move to Utah typically bring some workers with them, in addition to hiring many new employees locally. Coldwell Banker has been assisting companies and their employees relocate into Utah for years. Most recently, relocations have dramatically increased into the state. Organizations such as IM Flash, Rossignol, Kraftmaid, Amer Sports, Adam Aircraft and Proctor and Gamble are just some that are making Utah their new home. “All that relocation business helps keep Utah’s real estate market healthy,” says Cohen. Across the country, including Utah, the real estate market has slowed down. “However, because Utah is still one of the healthiest states, and continuing to attract new business, its real estate market is significantly stronger than other markets across the nation. New workers moving into the state and additional jobs being created provide more opportunities for Utah sellers; as a buyer, people moving into Utah benefit from our appreciating market.”

“We target areas of business in which Utah-based companies can compete with any companies throughout the world,” says Jason Perry, executive director, GOED. “Our current targets are aviation and aerospace, defense and homeland security, life sciences, outdoor products, information technology, energy, and financial services. We’re looking for companies that will provide high quality, family-sustaining jobs with benefits. We want jobs that pay at least 125% of the county median wage, or in rural areas at least 100%.”

And what future goals does Perry have for business development in Utah? “Now we’re building the base, and in the future we’ll become even more proactive in targeting the businesses we want,” he states. “We’ll say ‘What is the key company in that industry?’ We’ll try to get more corporate headquarters in Utah.”