SEDC seeks to attract manufacturer

An outdoor manufacturer is interested in coming to Rock Springs, through discussions are in their preliminary phases.

Kayla McDonald, economic development specialist for the Sweetwater Economic Development Coalition, said the organization is working with a company which manufactures outdoor recreation equipment in a bid to establish the company in Rock Springs. McDonald declined to name the company, citing the early nature of the discussions, but said both Western Wyoming Community College and Rock Springs Mayor Tim Kaumo have been involved as well. McDonald said Kaumo was the person responsible for bringing the company to the SEDC’s attention.

If discussions continue, SEDC plans to assist in finding a suitable area to build on. However, one of the first issues being ironed out is appropriating the funds needed to establish in Rock Springs. McDonald said the SEDC is involved in finding funding model to bring the company to Rock Springs, which could include a Wyoming Business Council grant and other state assistance. She said meetings with Gov. Mark Gordon are scheduled.

If successful, McDonald said the process to establish the company could take two or three years, but thinks the opportunity is a example of Wyoming’s economic future.

“This project is a really good model the state should look at to diversify its economy,” she said. “We feel very positive about it too.”

Aside from working to bring a manufacturer to Sweetwater County, McDonald said the SEDC is wrapping up work to market the Middle Baxter Road area near the Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport as a heavy industrial area. She said a study identified six potential industries as great fits for the land. These include glass manufacturing, computer and software services, e-commerce distribution, inorganic agricultural chemical production, maintenance and storage for renewable energy equipment and agricultural and mining manufacturing.

“Those are the top few we are looking at,” McDonald said.