By Matt Bell, Business Development Director for Grand Junction Economic Partnership (Originally published in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel – October 2025 ) 

Although Colorado’s Grand Junction area may seem like a small dot on the map, its business presence extends far beyond the Mountain West. From mentions in the New York Times to locally made products exported worldwide, there is no shortage of Mesa County businesses that have a global presence.  

One of my favorite parts of my role as Business Development Director for GJEP is working directly with both companies considering the area for relocation and those that have strong roots here. I help companies identify programs and incentives that are the best fit for their business and assist with the site selection process, so they find the perfect location. This work has allowed me to build great relationships with innovative local businesses, while also helping to bring new ones to our community. 

A significant portion of the businesses we work with contain a strong manufacturing component. There are several reasons why manufacturing companies are looking at our community and continue to find success here, including Grand Junction’s strategic location as a mid-way point for major markets in Salt Lake City and Denver, access to transportation infrastructure, business climate, and skilled workforce pipelines through Colorado Mesa University and CMU Tech.  

With October being National Manufacturing Month, we want to take this opportunity to highlight a handful of businesses throughout Mesa County that are manufacturing unique products and making an impact that reaches far outside of our local community.  

Outdoor  

With our community’s strong outdoor culture, it’s no surprise that Mesa County is a hub for manufacturing in the outdoor recreation space. Whether your mode of transportation to the outdoors is by way of bicycle, motorcycle, or 4×4, there is a manufacturer based locally to supply components. For example, international companies, DT Swiss and Mountain Racing Products, both develop high-performance cycling components used by competitive riders across the world and are leaders in their respective industry.  

Additionally, Motominded, who relocated to Mesa County in 2022, manufactures high-quality, 3-D printed and billet-machined parts and accessories for dirt bikes with an emphasis on sourcing Made-in-USA materials wherever possible.  

And Goose Gear, another exciting relocation, moved to Mesa County in 2024. A premier brand in the overland industry, they manufacture modular systems for vehicle-based recreation, such as kitchen systems, sleeping platforms, and cabinets designed to maximize space. Goose Gear’s products are the go- to choice for adventurers looking to equip their vehicles for adventures both near and far. 

Industrial Suppliers  

The products manufactured in Mesa County span across industries. CoorsTek is one of the area’s longest- standing manufacturers and is a world-leading technical ceramics manufacturer. They produce high– performance ceramic substrates used in the automotive, electrical, and defense industries as well as implantable bioceramics for the medical field.  

Great Western Building Systems is a family– owned and operated company that relocated to Mesa County in 2021, manufactures premium pre-engineered steel buildings. Their work spans a wide range of industries with clients nationwide, with projects including a “party pool” structure for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, multi-aircraft hangers, horse riding arenas, barndominiums, churches, indoor basketball, sports arenas, and custom shops of all sizes.  

With a strong presence in Grand Junction sure to blow anyone away, Spendrup Fan Company manufactures industrial fans and ventilation solutions servicing the mining industry and other heavy industrial applications. 

And Pro Safe Manufacturing, founded in Grand Junction in 1987, has grown into a full-service contract cut-and-sew manufacturer. Specializing in high volume production and custom solutions covering everything from healthcare and industrial personal protective equipment, uniforms, bedding and decorative pieces, to custom products featured by businesses on Shark Tank. 

With promising growth in the aerospace and aviation industry, Mesa County is home to SG Aerospace & Gas, which specializes in high-precision manufacturing and assembly for the aerospace and energy industries. Their components have been used in the Orion spacecraft, part of NASA’s Artemis program, to take humans back to the moon and eventually Mars. Quite literally taking a piece of Mesa County to the moon and beyond! 

 
 
Food & Beverage Manufacturing  

When you hear the phrase, “World-Famous Toffee”, there’s only one name that comes to mind, Enstrom’s Candies. Born and raised in Grand Junction, Enstrom’s legacy has put the community on the map through their appearances on QVC and sold by retailers nationwide.  

Also based in Grand Junction, Softgel Co. manufactures softgel capsules made from fish and plant oils, along with custom blends. Producing on a contract basis for many large household name brands. Fun fact, they produce over 1 million softgel capsules per day at their Grand Junction facility! 

Grand Junction’s manufacturing sector is as diverse as it is innovative. From outdoor recreation to aerospace, industrial suppliers to sweet confections Mesa County truly has it all. The businesses that call our community home are building, creating, and exporting excellence every day.  

As we celebrate National Manufacturing Month, we’re proud to showcase the incredible companies that are not only developing products made in Grand Junction, but are also putting our community on the map.  

When our organization talks about business relocation and expansion, there are plenty of reasons why Mesa County makes sense, whether its infrastructure, workforce, real estate, or incentives. However, it’s the success stories and the perspectives of the companies actively elevating our regional brand and leaving a lasting impact on the world that truly showcase why our community is a great place to grow.  

 
If you’d like to learn more about business development opportunities in Mesa County, visit www.gjep.org or contact me at matt@gjep.org