Karman Space & Defense Building $28M Factory

Karman Space & Defense announced April 9 that it would spend $28 million to build a new 200,000 square-foot factory in West Valley City, Utah, creating an estimated 500 jobs over the next 20 years. In a company statement, the energetic components company said the new project would take advantage of the site’s proximity to existing Karman suppliers to increase production of drone launchers and nozzles.

Company leadership also cited proximity to customers. COO Jonathan Beaudoin thanked state and local officials, including the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, which approved an Economic Development Tax Increment Financing plan for Karman, as well as the EDCUtah and the mayor of West Valley City. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are expanding our presence in Utah to increase production for key programs that protect the U.S. and its allies,” Beaudoin said. “Our new manufacturing hub in the Salt Lake area will place us closer to customers, provide access to a skilled talent pool, and position us for continued growth. We are grateful for the support we have received from Governor Cox, GOEO, EDCUtah, and Mayor Lang as our presence in Utah grows.”

EDCUtah director Ryan Starks noted the new development would bolster the existing representation of aerospace businesses in Utah.

“EDCUtah is proud to support companies that strengthen Utah’s aerospace and defense ecosystem,” Starks said. “Karman’s systems play an important role in a wide range of space and defense applications, and their presence reinforces the strength of this industry in our state. Many of Karman’s suppliers and customers are already located in the Salt Lake area, and this expansion will further connect and bolster our regional ecosystem. We commend the continued growth of Utah’s aerospace and defense sector and the strong collaboration that makes it possible.”