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.

Janicki 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 home.

Over the next 10 years, the Great Falls expansion 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.

Construction will begin in July, Hurley said, and the first phase is expected to open by the end of 2027.

John Janicki, the president of the company, said Great Falls stood out for its family-readiness.

“We believe in creating an environment where hard work, innovation and collaboration are rewarded, not only professionally, but through opportunities to build a life, own a home, raise a family or pursue entrepreneurial goals,” he said. “Great Falls embodies the kind of community where we feel those opportunities can flourish.”

Gov. Greg Gianforte celebrated the decision Tuesday morning, saying the move would “inspire innovation, strengthen our economy, and support our growing communities for years to come.”

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

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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.