Manufacturing Companies are Vibrant Contributors to Northeastern Wyoming Communities

Northeastern Wyoming manufacturers produce various goods via fascinating and extraordinary processes. Companies utilize natural resources for the forest products, coal and oil industries, while others have developed expertise in agriculture and food products. The Powder River Energy Corporation is thankful for these businesses and believes raising awareness for this industry segment’s impact on northeastern Wyoming communities is essential. 

Northeastern Wyoming

Campbell County is a center for manufacturing in Wyoming. Situated in the Powder River Basin, which produces over 40 percent of the nation’s coal, the county is known as the “Energy Capital” of the United States, as it is also a significant producer of oil, natural gas, and uranium. Campbell County has the most manufacturing jobs, 7,951, in the state, led by Thunder Basin Coal Company and Peabody Powder River Operations in Wright. Other notable manufacturers include Gillette’s L&H Industrial, Red River LLC, Atlas Carbon, Geer Fabrication and Pro Line Machining.

Crook County has the fourth-smallest population in Wyoming. Historically, the timber industry has been the most significant manufacturing segment in Crook County and is continued today by companies like Hulett’s Bearlodge Forest Products and Devils Tower Forest Products. Mineral and energy production does play an important role in the county, with several operations delivering gravel, limestone, oil and sand. Significant rare earth element and uranium mining potential exists, such as the uranium production at Strata Energy in Oshoto. 

Johnson County is a vast open space for ranchers and farmers. As such, manufacturers run the gamut of segments with their basis in natural resources. Mountain Meadow Wool manufactures fine-quality woolen products and AgroShield produces and distributes crop protection products, fertilizers and organic growth regulators. 

Sheridan County is known for its commitment to preserving the history and traditions of the Old West. But its manufacturing presence is increasing with unique enterprises, like 1XTechnologies, a  copper and aluminum electrical and electronic wire and cable manufacturer and Odulair, a creator of temporary or permanent mobile and modular healthcare facilities. 

Weston County is the transition between central Wyoming and the Black Hills, with several highways and railroad infrastructure offering manufacturing opportunities. The Upton Logistics Center is a premier transload facility with more than 40,000 feet of rail track. Unker’s Therapeutic Products manufactures all-natural health products in Upton. 

Manufacturing impact statewide

Manufacturing contributed 5.39% to the Gross State Product in Wyoming and employed 3.62% of the workforce in 2020, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The export of manufacturing goods from Wyoming was also over $1.11 billion, creating jobs and economic opportunities for the state.

The Wyoming manufacturing industry employed 10,000 people in 2020, and as reported by NAM, the average annual compensation for Wyoming’s manufacturing jobs was over $75,000 in 2019. 

Manufacturing support

Tremendous support for manufacturing exists in northeastern Wyoming, making a decision to relocate a wise one. One example is Manufacturing Works, a nonprofit consultancy that utilizes key relationships with industry partners to help manufacturers strategically identify and solve their most pressing issues. Other advantages include:

• A favorable tax environment for businesses is highlighted by Wyoming’s recognition by the Tax Foundation as having one of the nation’s “Most Business-Friendly Tax Climates”, due to no corporate state income tax, occupation tax, value-added tax or inventory tax. 
• Industrial parks throughout northeastern Wyoming have available buildings and sites suitable for manufacturing. They offer businesses the room they need to grow and local economic developers are available to make it easy to find the perfect location. 
• Financial assistance is available to local businesses throughout PRECorp’s service region. Its low-interest economic development loan is a source of funds for economic development projects at the local level in northeastern Wyoming. 

Powder River Energy Corporation is a member-owned, nonprofit electric cooperative headquartered in Sundance, WY., serving approximately ­­­27,000 active electric meters at residences, ranches, coal mines, oil and gas wells, businesses, and industry in the five counties of northeastern Wyoming. For more information go to www.precorp.coop.