This scenic region is best known for its outdoor recreation industry — and increasingly for its ability to attract high-tech investment, from data centers to software development and ICT operations. A lesser-known industry on the upswing in the Rockies is the food & beverage sector, which in the states of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming grew from a total capital investment of $2.6 billion in 2013 to $3.8 billion in 2014, according to Conway’s proprietary New Plant Database.
Following are snapshots of recent F&B projects that landed — or expanded — in the Rocky Mountain region:
MONTANA
Montana Monster Munchies, Bozeman, hired more than 40 workers in late 2014 to ramp up production of its gluten-free baked goods.
WYOMING
Two craft brewers are expanding: Melvin Brewing, Jackson, is building an additional facility in Alpine; Black Tooth Brewing Co. is completing construction of a new production facility in Sheridan.
COLORADO
Mile Hi Bakery, Denver, has moved into a new, 128,000-sq.-ft. (11,891-sq.-m.) facility, where it can increase production of hamburger buns and other bakery items from 3,000 dozen per hour to 5,600 dozen per hour.
Boulder Brands, which makes spreadable butters, gluten-free foods and other products, doubled the size of its Boulder headquarters in 2014 to 43,000 sq. ft. (3,995 sq. m.).
GoGo squeeZ has opened its new, $85-million manufacturing facility in Nampa, where it makes squeezable applesauce in a pouch. The facility is creating 250 jobs.
UTAH
JBS USA announced in January a $75-million expansion project at its Hyrum beef processing complex, which includes a fabrication building, a ground beef facility and a distribution center.
