Northeast Wyoming is the Face of New Manufacturing

Wyoming has always been a land of promise and opportunity, with economic business potential as vast as its open landscapes and iconic vistas. The communities of northeast Wyoming have placed themselves at the forefront of technological manufacturing in the state and the country, with numerous organizations and resources all aimed at helping improve the economic environment and, ultimately, quality of life.

Powder River Energy Corporation is proud to partner with this vibrant and dynamic group leading this new wave of manufacturing. A snapshot of three companies below paint the picture of the new face of manufacturing in Wyoming. 

Go big and go to Gillette

From its corporate headquarters in Gillette, WY, L&H Industrial designs, engineers, manufactures, monitors and maintains the largest machines in the world for a diverse range of industries like mining, oil and gas and hydropower, nuclear and wind power deliverance. L&H has become a leader in preventive maintenance for this equipment through its Ops IQ monitoring program, a process to deliver comprehensive intelligence through the power of IoT and AI. The company has also installed one of the largest vertical turning lathes in the nation at their Tempe, AZ manufacturing center, which expands its ability to handle even larger and more complex products like shovel swing systems, crushers, mills and turbines.

Critical materials become less rare

Rare Element Resources has placed northeast Wyoming centerstage in the country’s strategic goals of securing a dependable, long-term, domestic supply of raw materials for high-tech products and alternative energy. The company recently received approval from the US Department of Energy to commence operations at a commercial-scale rare earth processing and separation demonstration plant in Upton, WY. At more than $50 million, the project will implement proprietary technology to separate and recover Rare Earth Elements from a mineralization deposit just north of Sundance, WY, needed for high-tech products like smartphones, computers, clean energy and defense technologies."

Additionally, the inherent advantages of northeast Wyoming will help Rare Element Resources operate the plant as a zero-discharge facility. Most of the chemicals and water used at the plant would be recycled to eliminate discharges, helping reduce raw material and environmental waste handling costs. Tailings created from the operation would be de-watered, neutralized and disposed of at a tailings facility adjacent to the plant. Thorium, a naturally occurring radioactive metal found at trace levels in the mineralization, would be isolated and transported to an off-site, licensed disposal facility.

Innovative ideas emit from Sheridan

EMIT Technologies has more than 170,000 square feet of manufacturing space across two state-of-the-art facilities in Sheridan, WY, dedicated to developing solutions to today's manufacturing bottlenecks. As an Industry 4.0 manufacturing leader, enterprising, dynamic individuals utilize robotics, advanced sensors, cloud computing data analytics, AI and machine learning onsite to optimize their deliverables. 

Personnel offers construction management solutions from estimation through production to offer structural steel systems for commercial construction projects. The company's gas compression products provide optimum performance and cost structures in various industries, while its available contract manufacturing helps businesses streamline operations to meet their project goals.  

Resources for success

These businesses and others have benefited from the presence of numerous organizations dedicated to facilitating development and reducing bottlenecks. Some of these entities include:

• Area 59 is a makerspace for entrepreneurs, small business professionals and hobbyists to prove their ideas and generate business momentum. Equipment valued at nearly $1.5 million is available for use by members.
• Breakthrough 307 is a group of accredited individuals organized as Wyoming’s only angel investment group to provide early-stage seed capital to Wyoming companies displaying high growth potential.
• Energy Capital Economic Development is a nonprofit focused on business retention, expansion and recruitment with a FUEL Business Incubator to help entrepreneurs and businesses with startups, operations and growth.  
• Manufacturing Works offers in-depth collaboration to develop solutions that improve manufacturers’ top-line potential and bottom-line growth. Since 2019, Wyoming clients obtained nearly $110 million in new sales while creating and maintaining more than 1,000 jobs.
• The Wyoming Business Council leads economic growth for resilient communities, thriving businesses, and provides opportunities for residents as a conduit to financing and consulting services. 
• The Wyoming SBDC Network is a collection of business advisors at state field offices dedicated to connecting businesses and entrepreneurs to the services and resources they need.

Manufacture in Northeast Wyoming Today

With a dedication to technology and innovation, companies in northeast Wyoming are on the fast track to manufacturing success. With a favorable state economic environment, low tax burden, and a skilled workforce, possibilities are endless. Powder River Energy Corporation stands ready to assist interested individuals and organizations take the next step in their adventure. Contact us for the connections and networking for the assistance necessary today!