What Idaho Can Learn From Losing an $800 Million Manufacturing Project to Montana

Economic development is often measured by the projects a community wins.

Sometimes the more interesting story is the project it doesn’t.

A major aerospace manufacturer recently selected Montana for an enormous expansion project after considering locations in Idaho’s Magic Valley. While the investment is headed elsewhere, the decision offers valuable insight into how large employers evaluate markets and what Idaho can do to remain competitive for future opportunities.

According to reporting by IBR Staff in the Idaho Business Review, Washington-based Janicki Industries chose Great Falls, Montana, for a new manufacturing campus after evaluating potential locations in Twin Falls and Jerome. The original Idaho Business Review article can be found here: https://idahobusinessreview.com/2026/06/02/janicki-great-falls-montana-800-million-expansion/

The project represents one of the largest industrial investments announced in the region in recent years and highlights the growing competition among Mountain West states for advanced manufacturing jobs.

The Scale of the Opportunity

The numbers alone explain why economic development leaders pay close attention to projects like this.

Janicki Industries plans to invest approximately $800 million into a new manufacturing campus in Great Falls.

Key details include:

• Approximately 180-acre site
• Roughly 2 million square feet of manufacturing space
• More than 1,000 jobs expected within five years
• More than 2,000 jobs projected at full buildout
• Construction anticipated to begin this summer
• Initial operations expected by late 2027

The company serves aerospace, defense, space, and marine industries and has experienced enough growth that its existing facilities in Washington and Utah no longer provide sufficient capacity.

For communities competing for large employers, projects of this size create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the jobs themselves.

Why Manufacturing Projects Matter to Commercial Real Estate

When people hear about a manufacturing facility, they often focus on employment numbers.

Commercial real estate professionals tend to see a much bigger picture.

Large industrial campuses create demand for:

• Additional warehouse and distribution facilities
• New housing developments
• Retail centers and restaurants
• Professional office space
• Hotels and hospitality services
• Transportation infrastructure
• Utility expansions

A project employing thousands of workers can reshape an entire local market.

The impact often spreads into multiple property sectors simultaneously, creating opportunities for developers, investors, landlords, and business owners.

This is one reason communities across the West aggressively compete for advanced manufacturing projects.

What Attracted the Company?

According to company leadership, community quality of life played a significant role in the decision-making process.

Executives reportedly visited finalist communities personally before selecting Great Falls.

Montana officials also pointed to business climate, workforce availability, and economic competitiveness as factors supporting the state’s successful recruitment effort.

While every site-selection process is unique, large manufacturers often evaluate a similar set of criteria:

• Available workforce
• Cost of doing business
• Utility capacity
• Transportation access
• Available industrial land
• Housing affordability
• Regulatory environment
• Community support
• Long-term growth potential

Winning locations typically perform well across most categories rather than excelling in only one.

Why This Is Still Good News for Idaho

Although Twin Falls and Jerome were not selected, the story contains an important detail that Idaho leaders should not overlook.

Company representatives indicated that both Magic Valley communities remain under consideration for future expansion opportunities.

That matters because site selection processes often unfold over many years.

A company that evaluates a market today may return later when additional growth requires another facility.

Simply reaching the finalist stage demonstrates that Idaho is increasingly appearing on the radar of major employers searching for expansion opportunities.

The Magic Valley has already attracted attention from food processing, agriculture, logistics, technology, and manufacturing firms. Continued investment in workforce development, infrastructure, and industrial land availability could help position the region for future wins.

What This Means for Boise Commercial Real Estate

At first glance, a manufacturing project in Montana may seem unrelated to Boise commercial real estate.

In reality, it highlights a trend that affects the entire Intermountain West.

States are competing more aggressively than ever for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, technology, and industrial users.

As Boise development continues expanding and Idaho’s population grows, the state’s ability to attract major employers will play an important role in shaping future demand for industrial buildings, office space, retail centers, housing, and infrastructure.

The communities that can offer available land, reliable utilities, workforce talent, and a strong quality of life will likely have the greatest success attracting long-term investment.

Local Insight

From a Boise commercial real estate perspective, the biggest takeaway is not that Montana won this project.

The takeaway is that Idaho was seriously considered.

Large employers are increasingly looking beyond traditional manufacturing hubs and exploring markets throughout the Mountain West. That creates opportunity.

The question moving forward is whether Idaho can continue investing in the infrastructure, workforce development, industrial land inventory, and business environment needed to convert future opportunities into announced projects.

As competition for advanced manufacturing intensifies, communities that prepare today will be best positioned to capture tomorrow’s investment.

Mike Gioioso (joy-OH-so) has for 16+ years been helping companies of all sizes buy, build, and lease perfect places for business in greater Boise, Idaho and beyond.

www.streetsmartidaho.com mike@streetsmartidaho.com 208-209-9166

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