Manufacturing in Utah is rapidly expanding, according to William Briggs, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Briggs visited Salt Lake City this week, meeting local business owners and stakeholders to showcase the positive impact of recent federal legislation, popularly referred to as the “big, beautiful bill.”
Utah Leads in Manufacturing Loan Applications
Briggs highlighted that manufacturing loans are now the most common applications from Utah, a unique trend compared to other states where hospitality and accommodation businesses usually dominate.
While touring Beacon Commercial Door and Lock, a South Salt Lake company that started in-house manufacturing in 2020, Briggs observed the tangible results of SBA support. Beacon, a nearly 60-year-old company, currently employs 64 people and credits its growth in part to SBA financing.
Beacon’s Growth Story
Since initiating in-house manufacturing:
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Revenue has increased by 28%
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Workforce has grown by 22%
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Gross profit has jumped nearly 400%
Chad Riches, President of Beacon, said this growth has allowed the company to improve employee benefits, retirement plans, and wages, creating a positive economic cycle: higher wages lead to more income and employment taxes, boosting overall contributions to the local economy.
Federal Legislation Spurs Expansion
The recent congressional budget bill has provided small businesses with significant incentives, including:
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Tax deductions for paid or family leave
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Overtime exemption from taxes
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100% expensing of manufacturing equipment
Riches explained that these benefits allow investment in research and development, enabling Beacon to expand production capacity. The company now manufactures 40 wooden doors daily, up from just 8, and uses 40 steel coils annually, a dramatic increase from previous levels.
National Debate on Economic Impact
While some critics argue the legislation may increase healthcare costs and disproportionately benefit the wealthy, businesses like Beacon demonstrate the positive impact on manufacturing jobs and economic growth.
Briggs emphasized:
“This is exactly what the President wants: growing manufacturing, creating good jobs, paying employees more, and expanding production.”
Key Takeaways
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Utah is emerging as a manufacturing hub, with small businesses leading loan applications in this sector.
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Federal incentives under the “big, beautiful bill” are driving growth, wages, and production.
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Companies like Beacon Commercial Door and Lock show the benefits of combining SBA support and federal policy.
