Montana Governor Greg Gianforte is actively inviting businesses from states like Washington to expand into Montana, emphasizing the state’s pro-business climate. This comes after Janicki Industries, a company based in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, announced its decision to establish a new manufacturing campus in Great Falls, Montana.

Business-Friendly Environment

Gianforte, in an interview with The Center Square, highlighted Montana’s efforts to create a welcoming environment for businesses. “Montana’s open for business. We’ve been deregulating and have eliminated or streamlined 35% of all regulations in the state,” he stated. The governor also noted multiple tax reductions, aiming to allow people to keep more of their earnings.

Janicki Industries plans to invest $800 million in Montana, adding 2 million square feet of production space over the next decade. This expansion is expected to create 1,000 new jobs within the first five years, eventually exceeding 2,000 jobs once the campus is fully operational. Janicki, known for its engineering and manufacturing capabilities in aerospace and defense, currently operates facilities in Washington and Utah, employing over 2,000 people.

Contrasting Business Climates

Nick Lavacca, Janicki’s Communication and Education Outreach Manager, expressed concerns about the business climate in Washington, suggesting that some lawmakers are out of touch with business realities. “It’s difficult to let go of employees due to revenue shortfalls,” he said, implying that Montana’s approach might be more favorable for businesses.

Governor Gianforte contrasted Montana’s approach with that of high-tax states like Washington. “When we call on a company in one of these high regulatory, high tax states, our initial presentation’s very simple. Do you wanna move back to America?” he remarked, underscoring Montana’s appeal as a business-friendly state.

Quality of Life and Work Ethic

Gianforte also emphasized Montana’s quality of life, citing low crime rates and abundant outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. He praised the work ethic of Montanans, many of whom have agricultural backgrounds, stating, “If it’s harvest time and the tractor’s broke, you don’t call a consultant, you don’t form a committee, you just fix the tractor.”

The governor, serving his second term and chairing the Republican Governor’s Association, expressed excitement about Janicki’s expansion but noted that other businesses have also chosen Montana. He mentioned Boeing’s operations in Helena and a new Department of War innovation hub in Bozeman as examples of Montana’s growing business landscape.

Gianforte concluded by stating his philosophy on government’s role in business: “I’m here to stay out of your way. I think most entrepreneurs just want to be left alone.”

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.