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More jobs will disappear in this economy, but the Governor's Office of Economic Development continues to create new jobs and save others. There were three big announcements today, and one of these deals could ultimately mean more than 800 high-paying jobs.
Many Utahns already know ATK and its rockets. The company employs nearly 6,000 people. The state hopes to convince ATK Aerospace Structures to build a new commercial aircraft composites plant in Clearfield.
Heather Kralik, communications manager of ATK Aerospace Structures, says, "We would be continuing to expand what we've already been doing in the commercial market -- building composite aircraft components."
It's not a done deal, but the Governor's economic development team unveiled nearly $33 million in performance-based tax incentives over 20 years if ATK builds here.
"We present an entire package," says Jason Perry, executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development. "Once the company looks at the incentives with those other natural incentives from the state, we always come out on top."
Over 20 years, the ATK plant would generate more than 840 new full-time jobs at nearly twice the salary average in Davis County. Perry says, "All of the key pieces have come together. I think the package that ATK is being delivered this afternoon is going to be very compelling."
In a related industry, Keystone Aviation, which does business as Million Air, expects to announce a new Hondajet facility at the Salt Lake Airport.
The company will build a maintenance facility and showroom for Honda jet and add 70 jobs. A soap maker will also stay after jobs were nearly lost. Tax incentives convinced Sun Products to expand its operation that makes laundry detergents and related household products. Nearly 200 jobs were saved and 80 management positions created.
Perry says, "There are a lot of really great jobs that are starting to surface right now. As that starts happening, it creates an energy and lots of other companies start looking at the state. Before you know it, we start having announcements like we had today."
Expect a decision from ATK in the next three months. And one other bright spot in the local economy: U.S. Bank is holding a job fair to recruit for 80 new positions they'll add in Utah next year.
E-mail: jboal@ksl.com
