Could Manufacturing Chip Away at Economy Woes?

Tony Martines speak to those in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting.

With an apparent need to diversify in order to boost the local economy, members of the community have been searching for ways to bring new industry to the area while simultaneously growing existing businesses. BODEC Electric employee and Carbon County Commissioner hopeful Tony Martines is hoping part of that economic boost can be made within the manufacturing realm.

This idea prompted Martines to organize a meeting with the Utah Manufacturers Association (UMA) as well as local politicians, business owners and others to kickstart various manufacturing connections and opportunities in the area.

“The purpose of this meeting is to make introductions to local officials and business owners to see how the UMA can offer assistance to our communities,” Martines said. “The UMA stays involved with several large manufacturing companies along the Wasatch Front and also with the State Capitol. I believe this organization can help open new opportunities for our community.”

Steve Thomas, UMA Director of Regional Services, was present at the meeting to explain the association’s offering and what benefits it can offer rural Utah.

“Since 1905, the UMA has been vigilant in protecting the interests of the manufacturing industry,” the UMA shared. “The interests of the manufacturing industry have ranged from workforce, safety, employee development, public policy both locally and nationally, business development, and community outreach initiatives. Whatever the business interests may be, the UMA has always been a one stop shop where industry leaders can come together to solve the relevant issues facing the industry.”

Tuesday’s meeting was highlighted by a question and answer session. Questions revolved around how to encourage businesses to relocate from the Wasatch Front to the Castle Country area, how to make local businesses an outsourcing option for larger companies, and how local business can grow their offerings.

“It’s my job to encourage that the manufacturing is done here,” Thomas said, explaining that rural Utah is in need of these opportunities, especially with the struggles manufacturers face on the Wasatch Front.

According to Thomas, a variety of hurdles are present for manufacturers on the front, including high property costs, workforce issues, environmental regulations and resource limitations, such as land and water. Thomas hopes to shed a light on the possibilities offered in the local area to these companies facing such issues.

However, Castle Country does not come without its own hurdles. Thomas did say that manufacturing certifications limit the possibility of growing or starting a business locally. For outsourcing, many businesses will not consider a company if it does not carry specific certifications. Personnel certifications can also affect the likelihood of being hired at new businesses.

Thomas said that these certification hurdles can be overcome, though, to make Castle Country an ideal place for manufacturers. That is where the UMA comes in.

The Utah Manufacturers Associations serves as a liaison between manufacturing companies, politicians and business owners to benefit the state and economy as a whole. Tuesday’s meeting served as the first connection with the UMA and a variety of community leaders to began developing a relationship that aims to benefit the local economy. Thomas plans to work with the community throughout the near future to improve the role manufacturing plays in Castle Country’s economy.

To learn more about the UMA or get involved, please call (801) 363-3885 or visit the association’s website.