
Manufacturing in Utah is on the rise, and it’s starting to make a real mark on the state’s economy. William Briggs, the deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), recently visited Salt Lake City and shared that manufacturing loan applications are now the most common in Utah — a big shift from the usual hospitality-focused requests seen in most states.
For Briggs, this change highlights something unique happening in the Beehive State. Utah isn’t just growing in population; it’s building a stronger foundation for long-term economic growth by supporting companies that make things right here at home.
Beacon Commercial Door and Lock: A Success Story
A great example of this trend is Beacon Commercial Door and Lock in South Salt Lake. The nearly 60-year-old business decided in 2020 to bring its manufacturing in-house. That move has paid off in a big way. Since then, Beacon’s revenue has grown 28%, its workforce expanded by 22%, and gross profit jumped by nearly 400%.
President Chad Riches credits SBA programs for helping finance their expansion, which gave the company the push it needed to scale up production. Just as important, Beacon has been able to improve employee wages, provide stronger retirement plans, and create more stability for its team.
“When the company does better, everyone benefits,” Riches explained. “We’ve been able to invest in our people and put more back into the community.”

Policies Fueling Utah Manufacturing Growth
The momentum isn’t just about business decisions — it’s also tied to new federal policies passed earlier this year. Briggs pointed out that provisions in the so-called “big, beautiful bill” are already making a difference. For small manufacturers, being able to deduct family leave, avoid taxes on overtime, and fully expense equipment costs means more flexibility to innovate and expand.
Beacon is proof of how those changes translate into results. The company used to produce around eight wooden doors a day; today, it produces 40. Its use of steel coils has also skyrocketed, jumping from four per year to 40.
Building the Future of Utah Manufacturing
For Briggs, Beacon’s story is exactly what the SBA and the federal government want to see more of: local companies creating jobs, investing in their people, and keeping production in the U.S.
“This is what growth looks like,” Briggs said. “It’s about good jobs, stronger businesses, and a brighter future for the community.”