NORTH SALT LAKE — This time, jobs will be coming from China into the United States, specifically Utah, as a local manufacturing company expands using a state incentive program.
Orbit Irrigation Products Inc., along with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, announced Thursday it will move 60 jobs from Asia to its North Salt Lake headquarters manufacturing location. To support the growth of the company, Orbit will invest nearly $37 million in capital investment over 15 years.
“In Utah, we pride ourselves on keeping locallybased businesses at home,” Gov. Gary Herbert said in a prepared statement. “Our growing economy, skilled workforce and incentives program have made Utah an attractive and profitable base for Orbit’s business.”
The 60 new positions will pay a minimum of 125 percent of Davis County’s average yearly wage including benefits, say officials. Wages over the lifetime of the agreement will total more than $68 million. In addition, Orbit will pay about $22.2 million in new state taxes over 10 years.
“Orbit is a family company with deep roots in Northern Utah. We are optimistic about our future growth and equally as thrilled to be able to bring jobs back to our community,” Orbit CEO K.C. Ericksen said.
Founded in Davis County more than 40 years ago, Orbit distributes 2,000 products to more than 40 countries on five continents. Most of Orbit’s design, manufacturing, production and warehousing occurs at its North Salt Lake headquarters.
“Orbit is already a great corporate citizen, providing many jobs for skilled workers along the Wasatch Front. I know it has been a complex financial decision, and we are appreciative of Orbit and all the other individuals and agencies that have rallied around this proposal to make it a reality,” North Salt Lake Mayor Len Arave said.
One of those agencies involved has been the Davis County Office of Community and Economic Development.
“This is a win for Davis County, a win for our state, and it is investments like this into the local economy that helps Utah continue to win opportunities and be recognized nationally,” said Kent Sulser, director of Davis County Community and Economic Development.
“In order to keep our economy growing, we need to help businesses in Utah create jobs like the ones Orbit is re-shoring to Utah,” GOED executive director Spencer Eccles said.
Utah’s manufacturing sector is the third-largest employment sector in the state, comprising about 9.6 percent of Utah’s workers, or about 114,700 people.
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