< Previous148 JANUARY 2025 SITE SELECTION Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development 400 N. St. 4th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17120 Rick Siger S ECRETARY 1-866-466-3972 https://dced.pa.gov “This is one of the largest federal grants Pennsylvania has ever received, and through RISE PA, we will off er grants for companies working to make their operations more effi cient. This investment will help us reduce toxic air pollution, create thousands of jobs, invest in our energy sector, and continue Pennsylvania’s legacy of energy leadership.” — Governor Josh Shapiro, July 2024, announcing $400 million in federal funding GDP 6 th 2023 GDP (in millions of current US$) $799,229 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 20232022202120202019 Pennsylvania Pop. (2024): 13,056,584 Pop. growth 2024–2029: 0.00% Median household income (2024): $75,926 Median age (2024): 41.4 Credit Rating: A+ / Positive Right-to-work state: No LEGISLATIVE & POLICY UPDATE HB 2132 establishes the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission and the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission Fund within the Department of Community and Economic Development of the Commonwealth. HB 1032 introduces the Solar for Schools Grant Program, spearheaded by the Department of Community and Economic Development. This bill will aid in reducing the cost of implementing solar energy systems into educational institutions across the Commonwealth. Eligible applicants include school districts, intermediate units, charter schools, a school for education of the deaf and blind, area career and technical schools, specifi c trade and technical schools and community colleges. Known as the Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act, SB 831 promotes geologic storage of carbon dioxide. Geologic storage of carbon dioxide could potentially be useful in commercial and industrial applications. The bill will enhance landowner rights and gives power to the Department of Environmental Protection to require additional analysis for permitting decisions that could aff ect environmental justice communities. It mandates seismic activity monitoring for permanent storage of carbon dioxide and sets a 50-year monitoring and accountability period. Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: $5,672,383 Number of NCRCs: 41,622 | Percent Improvement 2023–2024: 2.47% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2024–2025: -3 Industrial power cost per kWh: $7.75 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2008-2022: 101.71% 2024 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 1.27 GDP Growth Rate Trend LEGISLATIVE & POLICY UPDATE HB 7616 establishes the Renewable Ready Program in order to promote and fund responsible siting and development of renewable energy generating resources in locations where it would be an ancillary benefi cial use to redevelop previously contaminated property. The program will compile a list of locations such as: current or former contaminated site; property or facility owned by the state; a rooftop of a public, municipal or state-owned building; state-owned property adjacent to a major highway or road; property owned by the electric distribution company. HB 8078 establishes the Ladders to Licensure Grant Program. This program takes a private-public partnership approach to help increase the number of licensed health professionals and diversify licensed talent. The program will focus on providing academic, fi nancial and wrap-around services for adults seeking a degree and license as a health care professional; leverage employer support; develop and implement career ladders through training and education; establish polices and initiatives to reduce systemic racism; and establish policies and initiatives to provide fl exible scheduling of work hours to reduce barriers to participation. Rhode Island Commerce Corp. 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101 Providence, RI 02908 James S. Bennett P RESIDENT /COO 401-278-9100 https://commerceri.com “The completion of NEVI Phase 1 marks a milestone moment in Rhode Island’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future. By creating the infrastructure for cleaner transportation alternatives, we’re not only working towards our Act on Climate goals but leading the charge to decrease our carbon footprint.” — Governor Daniel McKee, July 2024, on Rhode Island becoming the first state to complete Phase 1 of an alternative fuel corridor catering to EV charging infrastructure Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: $476,708 Number of NCRCs: 1,059 | Percent Improvement 2023–2024: 0.00% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2024–2025: +2 Industrial power cost per kWh: $18.98 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2008-2022: 103.35% 2024 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 1.62 GDP 44 th 2023 GDP (in millions of current US$) $63,277 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 20232022202120202019 Rhode Island Pop. (2024): 1,102,490 Pop. growth 2024–2029: 0.01% Median household income (2024): $86,261 Median age (2024): 41.1 Credit Rating: AA / Stable Right-to-work state: No GDP Growth Rate Trend SITE SELECTION JANUARY 2025 149 Utah Govenor’s Offi ce. of EO 60 East South Temple, Ste. 300 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Ryan Starks E XECUTIVE D IRECTOR 801-538-8794 https://business.utah.gov “The American dream is alive in Utah, but it will be dead soon if we don’t get this right. Utah must lead the nation with bold and innovative solutions.” — Gov. Spencer J. Cox, 2024 State of the State address GDP 28 th 2023 GDP (in millions of current US$) $225,459 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 20232022202120202019 Utah Pop. (2024): 3,506,694 Pop. growth 2024–2029: 1.18% Median household income (2024): $95,801 Median age (2024): 32.2 Credit Rating: AAA / Stable Right-to-work state: Yes LEGISLATIVE & POLICY UPDATE The Utah Legislature approved a bill to lower the state’s corporate and individual tax rate for the fourth year in a row. SB 69 decreases Utah’s income tax rate from 4.65% to 4.55%, a $167 million reduction. This cut comes after lawmakers last year provided $850 million in tax relief, which included a $400 million package to drop the state’s tax rate from 4.85% to 4.65%, an expansion of the earned income and Social Security tax credits as well as other forms of tax relief. On March 12, Gov. Cox signed HB 453, also known as the Great Salt Lake Revisions, to implement new regulations for mineral extraction and water use at the Great Salt Lake. The bill tasks the state engineer with regulating the measurement and distribution of water rights and has the power to reduce the amount of water that water-right holders are allowed to divert. This bill also raises the severance tax on mineral extraction from 2.6% to 7.8%. SB 162 modifi es the Rural Opportunity Program, which is overseen by the Rural Opportunity Advisory Committee and administered by the Offi ce of Economic Opportunity. The amendment removes the $800,000 annual cap on grants to individual rural communities or business entities, and the 20% cap on grants to associations of governments. Rural health care special districts were also added as an eligible recipient for grants and loans under the program. Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: $1,115,929 Number of NCRCs: 4,264 | Percent Improvement 2023–2024: 0.07% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2024–2025: -8 Industrial power cost per kWh: $6.99 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2008-2022: 112.26% 2024 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 0.86 GDP Growth Rate Trend LEGISLATIVE & POLICY UPDATE On March 4, Gov. Kristi Noem signed HB 1231, amending a state law that places additional limitations on foreign investment in agricultural land within South Dakota. The measure restricts a “foreign person,” “foreign entity” and “foreign government” from owning more than 160 acres of farmland within the state and places new reporting requirements on certain businesses. South Dakota is the 14th state in two years to enact foreign ownership legislation. SB 45 established a Center for Quantum Information Science and Technology with an appropriate of more than $3 million. According to Gov. Noem, “this center will combine numerous fi elds to make tremendous advancements in cybersecurity, agriculture, health care and more.” SB 187 created a cybersecurity services initiative for counties and municipalities backed by $7 million from the general fund in order to expand and improve technology infrastructure that can protect the IT assets of communities throughout the state. South Dakota Governor’s Offi ce of Econ. Dev. 711 E. Wells Ave. Pierre, SD 57501 Joe Fiala C OMMISSIONER 605-773-4633 https://sdgoed.com “South Dakotans are thriving because we defend freedom and advance their opportunities to pursue their dreams.” — Gov. Kristi Noem , October 8, 2024 Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: $124,541 Number of NCRCs: 64,787 | Percent Improvement 2023–2024: 12.24% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2024–2025: 0 Industrial power cost per kWh: $8.01 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2008-2022: 107.08% 2024 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 1.30 GDP 47 th 2023 GDP (in millions of current US$) $57,275 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 20232022202120202019 South Dakota Pop. (2024): 926,163 Pop. growth 2024–2029: 0.80% Median household income (2024): $72,722 Median age (2024): 38.1 Credit Rating: AAA / Stable Right-to-work state: Yes GDP Growth Rate Trend150 JANUARY 2025 SITE SELECTION South Carolina Dept. of Commerce 1201 Main St., #1600 Columbia, SC 29201 Harry M. Lightsey III S ECRETARY 803-737-0400 https://www.sccommerce.com “Other countries continue to fi nd that South Carolina off ers the best products and services available anywhere, which is emphasized by the fact that our state saw an increase in trade despite a national decline in exports.” — Governor Henry McMaster, February 2024, announcing South Carolina Ports export sales totaled $37.3 billion, an 18% increase from 2022 GDP 24 th 2023 GDP (in millions of current US$) $262,299 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 20232022202120202019 South Carolina Pop. (2024): 5,391,458 Pop. growth 2024–2029: 0.86% Median household income (2024): $66,981 Median age (2024): 41.0 Credit Rating: AA+ / Stable Right-to-work state: Yes LEGISLATIVE & POLICY UPDATE S. 1021 extends the Abandoned Buildings Tax Credit through 2035, while increasing the maximum tax credit that can be earned in a year to $700,000. This move is an eff ort to encourage developers, business owners and entrepreneurs to rehabilitate abandoned buildings, associated with buildings that have been at least 66% vacant for a minimum of fi ve years. The amendment of this bill also includes the creation of a new corporate income tax credit for railroad reconstruction or replacement. The credit provides 50% of an eligible taxpayer’s qualifi ed railroad reconstruction or replacement expenditures, up to $5,000 per mile of railroad track owned or leased by the taxpayer. H. 3951 establishes the Working Farmland Protection Fund within the State Treasury. This fund will help landowners permanently preserve working agricultural lands through voluntary conservation easements. Grants awarded to eligible recipients will be used for the purchase of interests in farmland in which the landowner derives at least 50% of their income. Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: $797,931 Number of NCRCs: 491,617 | Percent Improvement 2023–2024: 0.31% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2024–2025: -4 Industrial power cost per kWh: $6.68 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2008-2022: 105.82% 2024 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 1.35 GDP Growth Rate Trend SITE SELECTION JANUARY 2025 151 Tennessee Dept. of Econ. & Community Dev. 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave. Nashville, TN 37243 Stuart McWhorter C OMMISSIONER 615-741-1888 https://www.tn.gov/ecd “The state with the workers will win every time, and that’s why rural workforce development has been one of my top priorities since day one.” — Gov. Bill Lee, announcing recipients of the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) grant program GDP 18 th 2023 GDP (in millions of current US$) $422,088 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 20232022202120202019 Tennessee Pop. (2024): 7,204,409 Pop. growth 2024–2029: 0.72% Median household income (2024): $69,015 Median age (2024): 39.6 Credit Rating: AAA / Stable Right-to-work state: Yes LEGISLATIVE & POLICY UPDATE Gov. Bill Lee approved legislation this year that essentially eliminated the property base component of the Tennessee franchise tax. Historically, the franchise tax base was calculated as the greater of net worth or the net book value of real and tangible property. Taxpayers that were required to use the previous method to fi le taxes are now able to request a refund of franchise tax for tax years ending on or after March 31, 2020, for which a return was fi led with the Tennessee Department of Revenue on or after Jan. 1, 2021. SB 1137 allows a municipality to provide assistance to an industrial corporation for a portion of a project. This includes providing grants, contributing funding and pledging future fi nancing or other means of support. However, none of the fi nancial resources the municipality provides can be sourced from collected property taxes. HB 2182 redefi nes a “qualifi ed data center,” for purposes of sales and use taxes, to include a data center that previously made the required capital investment in excess of $100 million and previously created at least 15 net new full-time employee jobs and the data center is transferred to an affi liate pursuant to a corporate reorganization under the Internal Revenue Code. Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: $1,761,938 Number of NCRCs: 142,554 | Percent Improvement 2023–2024: 1.31% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2024–2025: +7 Industrial power cost per kWh: $6.23 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2008-2022: 106.03% 2024 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 1.03 GDP Growth Rate Trend152 JANUARY 2025 SITE SELECTION PROJECT WATCH A s demand for Electro lit, a sport drink crafted with pharmaceutical grade ingredients, rises, the company has announced plans to construct a $400 million manufacturing facility and its fi rst U.S. production location at Texas Central Park, the largest industrial park in Waco, Texas. The 600,000-sq.-ft. greenfi eld project is a build-to-suit facility. Once the highly automated production and distribution facility is operational in early 2026, the company plans to employ over 200 skilled professionals and technicians. Securing this project was made possible due to the region’s strong network of economic development partners. The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, the City of Waco, McLennan County and the Waco Industrial Foundation worked in close collaboration to secure this win for the State of Texas and provide Electrolit ample support. “This announcement substantiates our success in creating an inviting environment where a skilled workforce, strategic location and an inviting community culture can provide McLennan County with a competitive advantage in recruiting great companies, such as Electrolit,” said McLennan County Judge Scott Felton. “We are so thrilled to have Electrolit make Waco and McLennan County its home.” The new Electrolit facility in Waco Rendering courtesy of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce Texas Economic Development Corporation PO Box 684702 Austin, TX 78768 Aaron Demerson P RESIDENT & CEO 512-981-6736 https://businessintexas.com “Freedom and opportunity are deeply rooted in the history of our great state. As a result, the Texas of today is where innovation fl ourishes, where hard work is rewarded, and where Texans prosper.” — Gov. Greg Abbott, 2024 Report to the People of Texas Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: $7,767,791 Number of NCRCs: 39,394 | Percent Improvement 2023–2024: 7.54% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2024–2025: +6 Industrial power cost per kWh: $6.60 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2008-2022: 108.12% 2024 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 0.88 GDP 2 nd 2023 GDP (in millions of current US$) $2,097,090 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 20232022202120202019 Texas Pop. (2024): 30,857,478 Pop. growth 2024–2029: 1.09% Median household income (2024): $77,169 Median age (2024): 36.3 Credit Rating: AAA / Stable Right-to-work state: Yes GDP Growth Rate Trend LEGISLATIVE & POLICY UPDATE During 2024, an interim year for the Texas Legislature, Gov. Greg Abbott released his fi fth Report to the People since taking offi ce in 2015. Notable highlights included the largest property tax cut in the state’s history, multi-million dollar investments in higher education, several incentives to spur job creation and the creation of various economic development programs such as: • The Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) Act: A new competitive economic incentive tool to attract large, capital-intensive economic development projects; • Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium and Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund, supported by $1.36 billion through the Texas CHIPS Act; • Texas Enterprise Fund: Allotted $150 million for “deal closing” grants for companies considering a new project for which a Texas site is competing with out-of-state sites • Texas Space Commission and Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium, backed by $350 million.154 JANUARY 2025 SITE SELECTION LEGISLATIVE & POLICY UPDATE Following the signing of H 707, the Vermont Legislature created the Offi ce of Workforce Strategy and Development. This bill amends the membership and oversight of the State Workforce Development Board and establishes a task force to study and develop data for workforce-related programs in Vermont. H 10 authorizes the Vermont Economic Development Authority to continue accepting and approving applications for a Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI) until January 1, 2027. VEGI provides cash payments- based revenue return generated by prospective qualifying job creation and capital investment to approved businesses that meet the incentive’s performance targets. H 452 relates to the expanding apprenticeship and other workforce opportunities in the state. This act creates a new, comprehensive framework for the approval, operation and regulation of apprenticeship programs through the Department of Labor. These changes are needed in order to leverage federal grants, modernize the system, provide support for employees and ensure program effi ciency. Agency of Commerce & Cmty. Dev. Dept. of Economic Development Deane C. Davis Bldg., 6th Fl. 1 National Life Dr. Montpelier, VT 05620 Joan Goldstein C OMMISSIONER 802-272-2399 https://accd.vermont.gov/economic-development “I’m so proud of the emphasis we’ve put on the value of trades careers and have invested to help more Vermonters pursue careers through trades training, career technical education and apprenticeships.” — Gov. Phil Scott, announcing the creation of Vermont’s annual Apprenticeship Week, November 18, 2024 Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: $221,895 Number of NCRCs: 8,590 | Percent Improvement 2023–2024: 19.09% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2024–2025: 0 Industrial power cost per kWh: $11.27 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2008-2022: 101.96% 2024 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 1.98 GDP 50 th 2023 GDP (in millions of current US$) $35,237 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 20232022202120202019 Vermont Pop. (2024): 651,028 Pop. growth 2024–2029: 0.09% Median household income (2024): $77,065 Median age (2024): 43.7 Credit Rating: AA+ / Stable Right-to-work state: No GDP Growth Rate Trend West Virginia Dept. of Econ. Dev. 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E Charleston, WV 25305 Mike Graney E XECUTIVE D IRECTOR 304-558-2234 https://westvirginia.gov “I want to make sure that West Virginia is the best state in the country to live, to work and play, and I want the metrics to back that up.” — Gov.-elect Patrick Morrisey, November 12, 2024. GDP 41 st 2023 GDP (in millions of current US$) $80,798 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 20232022202120202019 West Virginia Pop. (2024): 1,773,813 Pop. growth 2024–2029: -0.26% Median household income (2024): $56,394 Median age (2024): 43.4 Credit Rating: AA- / Stable Right-to-work state: Yes LEGISLATIVE & POLICY UPDATE HB 5162 creates the Youth Apprenticeship Program to connect high school students with apprenticeship opportunities. The program is designed to enable students to graduate with a high school diploma and certifi cations in occupational skills, including those associated with manufacturing, engineering technology, administration and offi ce technology, and health care. SB 354 establishes the West Virginia Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority to facilitate implementation of “critical and time-sensitive opportunities” for economic development along the Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor, which runs through the counties of McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming. The Authority will comprise 15 members who are involved in economic, commercial or industrial development in the region, including four private-sector representatives from the technology, energy, advanced manufacturing, and aviation and aerospace sectors. During a special legislative session, SB 2033 was signed into law, reducing West Virginia’s personal income tax rate by 2% and returning $46 million to state taxpayers. This tax cut will be in addition to the 21.25% income tax cut that already went into eff ect, plus another 4% cut that will occur in January 2025 due to the state hitting an economic trigger. Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: $270,953 Number of NCRCs: 73,728 | Percent Improvement 2023–2024: 1.22% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2024–2025: -1 Industrial power cost per kWh: $7.24 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2008-2022: 104.82% 2024 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 0.63 GDP Growth Rate Trend SITE SELECTION JANUARY 2025 155 Virginia Econ. Dept. Partnership 901 E. Cary St. Richmond, VA 23219 Jason El Koubi P RESIDENT & CEO 804-545-5600 https://vedp.org “When a business chooses to invest and grow in Virginia, we’re promising best-in-class talent, infrastructure, power solutions and business-friendly environment. Our administration has facilitated waves of economic investment and business expansions to reinvigorate growth and opportunity across Virginia.” — Gov. Glenn Youngkin, responding to CNBC ranking Virginia “America’s Top State for Business” in 2024 GDP 13 th 2023 GDP (in millions of current US$) $597,597 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 20232022202120202019 Virginia Pop. (2024): 8,823,498 Pop. growth 2024–2029: 0.37% Median household income (2024): $89,834 Median age (2024): 39.2 Credit Rating: AAA / Stable Right-to-work state: Yes LEGISLATIVE & POLICY UPDATE Previously, a site was required to span at least 100 contiguous acres to be considered for a site development grant from the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program. Following the enactment of HB 233, the Virginia Economic Development Authority is now able determine if a site of at least 50 contiguous acres is eligible based on the criteria such as if the number of viable sites in the region is constrained by topographic or environmental factors or is able to create a unique economic development opportunity. The passing of HB 59 adds Planning Districts 13 (Southside) and 14 (Commonwealth Regional Commission) to the list of areas where localities may create a regional industrial facility authority that contains a town and only one city or county rather than at least two cities or counties. HB1457 requires that for any Virginia investment performance grant award determination that includes a job creation requirement, an eligible manufacturer or research and development service must pay an average wage, excluding fringe benefi ts, that is no less than the existing average wage for similar new employment positions. Starting July 1, 2024, the total amount of Virginia The bill contains an enactment clause that clarifi es that no agreement that was entered into prior to the eff ective date will be impacted. Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: $2,020,435 Number of NCRCs: 41,283 | Percent Improvement 2023–2024: 9.19% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2024–2025: -3 Industrial power cost per kWh: $8.92 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2008-2022: 104.50% 2024 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 1.01 GDP Growth Rate Trend156 JANUARY 2025 SITE SELECTION LEGISLATIVE & POLICY UPDATE HB 1924, a law to promote the integration of fusion technology within state clean energy policies, was signed by Gov. Jay Inslee on March 28. The bill adds fusion energy and related facilities to the list of Clean Energy Projects of Statewide Signifi cance (CEPSS), which was created when HB 1216 was passed in 2023 in order to expedite the development of certain clean energy projects within the state. SB 6039 promotes the development of geothermal energy resources in the state. The Washington Geological Survey was directed to compile and maintain a publicly available comprehensive database of state subsurface geologic information. Additionally, the Department of Commerce will establish a competitive geothermal exploration cost-share grant program to incentivize and off set direct costs associated with deep exploratory drilling and identify locations suitable for the development of geothermal energy. HB 2482 extends two tax preferences for semiconductor manufacturing that were due to expire in 2028 until January 1, 2034. It also reinstates six expired tax preferences until January 1, 2034, contingent upon a manufacturer investing at least $1 billion in new buildings, machinery and equipment, to site and operate a semiconductor fabrication facility. Washington State Dept. of Commerce 2001 Sixth Ave., Ste. 2600 Seattle, WA 98121 Mike Fong C OMMERCE D IRECTOR 206-256-6100 https://choosewashingtonstate.com “We will keep Washington moving forward no matter what happens at the federal level.” — Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson , November 15, 2024. Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: $2,032,112 Number of NCRCs: 6,494 | Percent Improvement 2023–2024: 5.13% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2024–2025: -10 Industrial power cost per kWh: $6.35 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2008-2022: 101.66% 2024 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 1.31 GDP 9 th 2023 GDP (in millions of current US$) $677,238 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 20232022202120202019 Washington Pop. (2024): 8,023,688 Pop. growth 2024–2029: 0.71% Median household income (2024): $97,013 Median age (2024): 38.8 Credit Rating: AA+ / Positive Right-to-work state: No GDP Growth Rate Trend PROJECT WATCH R OCKWOOL North America acquired 250 acres in Walla Walla County, Washington, last March with the intention to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility fi tted with proprietary electric melting technology for its stone wool insulation products. Backed by a $175 million investment, this new location will be ROCKWOOL’s fi fth North American manufacturing facility and will support the growing demand for the company’s products in the western United States. “ROCKWOOL has operated in North America for more than 30 years. We are excited to take this fi rst step toward establishing ourselves in the Mid-Columbia region and growing our stone wool production capacity to better serve customers in the western United States,” said Rory Moss, president of ROCKWOOL North America. “We look forward to engaging with the local communities and sharing more as plans develop.” The site the company has selected is strategically located at the Wallula Gap Business Park, a 1,280-acre site zoned for heavy and mixed industrial use near the western boundary of Walla Walla County. It is the largest of nine business parks managed by the Port of Walla Walla and was one of six sites selected in 2023 by the Washington State Department of Commerce to split $2.5 million in grants aimed at attracting and expanding manufacturing activity in the state. “A responsible manufacturer like ROCKWOOL would be a benefi t to our local economy and a pillar of sustainable industry,” said Port of Walla Walla Commissioner President Kip Kelly. “The ROCKWOOL project will also be a transformative project for the Port’s Wallula Gap Business Park, and we are confi dent that it will not only drive future economic growth but also further enhance the economic health of Walla Walla County.” Denmark-based ROCKWOOL International has purchased land in Walla Walla, Washington, for its fi fth location in North America. Photo courtesy of ROCKWOOL InternationalNext >