Manufacturing in Utah is booming, according to William Briggs, deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Briggs visited Salt Lake City this week, meeting small business owners and industry stakeholders to discuss the positive impacts of the recently passed “big, beautiful bill” on local manufacturers.
SBA Loans Drive Utah Manufacturing Growth
Unlike most states where SBA loans primarily support hospitality or hotel businesses, Utah is seeing high demand for manufacturing loans. Briggs described this trend as unique, reflecting the state’s growing industrial focus.
During his visit, Briggs toured Beacon Commercial Door and Lock, a nearly 60-year-old company that started in-house manufacturing in 2020 and currently employs 64 people.
Beacon Commercial Door: A Small Business Success Story
Beacon Commercial Door and Lock, located in South Salt Lake, attributes its success to SBA support, which helped fund its expansion.
Key growth highlights since 2018 include:
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Revenue growth: 28%
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Workforce expansion: 22%
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Gross profit increase: nearly 400%
Company president Chad Riches emphasized that these gains have allowed higher wages, better benefits, and improved retirement plans, creating a positive economic ripple through taxes and employment contributions.
Impact of the “Big, Beautiful Bill”
The recently passed congressional budget law has provided tax incentives and financial relief for manufacturers:
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Overtime and paid/family leave now tax-deductible
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Ability to expense 100% of manufacturing equipment
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Increased funds for research and development
As a result, Beacon has ramped up production:
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Wooden doors per day: from 8 to 40
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Steel coils used annually: from 4 to 40
Riches said, “We never in our wildest dreams thought we could do that.”
Broader Implications for Utah and U.S. Manufacturing
Briggs highlighted that companies like Beacon represent the type of growth the president aims to achieve:
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Job creation
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Higher wages
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Expanded manufacturing footprint
He added, “This is the story we want — people producing goods, creating good jobs, and contributing to local economies.”
While critics of the legislation raise concerns about Medicaid and ACA coverage, Utah manufacturers are reaping tangible benefits, demonstrating how federal support and tax incentives can boost small business growth and industrial development.
Key Takeaways
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Utah manufacturing is growing faster than in most states
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SBA loans are supporting small business expansion in the sector
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Tax incentives from the “big, beautiful bill” are enabling higher production, R&D, and employee benefits
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Beacon Commercial Door exemplifies how small manufacturers thrive with government support
