A lot of political discussion these days revolves around the death of manufacturing in the United States. That’s not what we see here in Montana. Manufacturers are often small businesses but their multiplier effect is pretty substantial. For every $1 spent in manufacturing, another $1.40 is added to the economy. This is the highest multiplier effect of any economic sector.
We have invested in a number of companies that make things. Satic manufactures unique energy-management products for homes and businesses that are UL-listed and independently verified to save money. RMBIO manufactures and ships products for use in a range of applications to labs across the country. Timeless Seeds is a large processor of organic pulse products for the retail and wholesale markets. Rivertop Renewables produces glucaric acid and other chemicals for consumer and industrial applications. Clearas manufactures and operates wastewater treatment systems. Montainer designs, permits, manufactures, delivers and installs repurposed shipping containers. The Natural Baby Company manufactures industry-leading GroVia Modern Cloth Diapers and Ovolo Wrap.
All of these companies continue to grow and employ people, but they are small operations doing a great job of exporting their products outside of Montana. From our vantage point, manufacturing is alive and well in Montana.