After competing with cities across Idaho and Montana to host an $800 million facility, officials broke ground Friday on a Washington-based company's manufacturing plant in Great Falls that is expected to add 2,000 jobs over the next decade.

“Montana gives our people the chance to build something lasting: a good job, an affordable home, a place to raise a family,” Janicki Industries President John Janicki said. “That's what we look for, and Great Falls has it. We look forward to a vibrant, lasting partnership with Great Falls.”

The 33-year old company specializes in design and construction for industries including aerospace, defense, space, marine and architecture. Beyond its home state, it has locations in Utah and was considering either Idaho or Montana for its next plant.

Janicki Industries breaks ground in Great Falls

Gov. Greg Gianforte (center left), John Janicki, president of Janicki Industries (left), Peter Janicki, CEO of Janicki Industries (center right), and Rep. Troy Downing (right), during a ceremony at Janicki Industries’ groundbreaking in Great Falls.

Courtesy, Montana Governor's Office

Over the next 10 years, the company aims to create a 2-million-square-foot production facility on 180 acres in AgriTech Park, adding 1,000 jobs in its first five years and a total of 2,000 jobs by its completion, Janicki marketing manager Erin Hurley said.

The first phase is expected to open by the end of 2027, he said.

“Montana is open for business, and we were proud to work with our local partners to attract a job creator like Janicki Industries, which chose Montana among many other states for its next major expansion,” Gov. Greg Gianforte said, who was at the groundbreaking alongside U.S. Rep. Troy Downing, R-Montana, and Janicki’s CEO, Peter Janicki.

Great Falls chosen for $800M manufacturing facility, company announces

Great Falls was selected for Janicki Industries' $800 million Montana debut, beating East Helena, Butte and Idaho locations for a proposed manufacturing facility, the Washington-based company announced Tuesday.

East Helena was scouted for its proximity to trade schools and the Helena Regional Airport, the IR previously reported. East Helena and Helena city officials led Janicki representatives on a tour in January.

Janicki growth had slowed in Washington due to "ever-increasing regulations," John Janicki said in a press release. Though East Helena and Butte were not chosen, they were among the final few choices alongside the south-central Idaho cities of Twin Falls and Jerome.

Christine Compton is a reporter for the Helena Independent Record.