Upton Makes Onshoring Possible Now

Upton Makes Onshoring Possible Now Main Photo

10 Sep 2020


Blog

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a crisis for businesses across the country. Of the U.S. manufacturing companies recently surveyed by Thomas, 60% reported COVID-19 business disruptions to their supply chains and product deliveries. Onshoring is one solution to reducing the risk of future disruptions and delays. Though companies may not be looking to move their entire operations back to the United States, opening U.S. manufacturing facilities as part of their global operations certainly is. In that scenario, Upton offers many onshoring advantages, such as an ideal location on a major transportation route from Canada to Mexico, a rail-served business park, a business-friendly economic climate and a supportive community with an entrepreneurial, innovative can-do attitude. 

For four decades, companies have offshored manufacturing operations overseas in order to save costs. But COVID-19 has highlighted the downsides of such practices. Onshoring is moving to the top of mind for business executives who have watched their supply chains be disrupted and product deliveries delayed. In addition to companies onshoring directly, 28% of suppliers surveyed reported that they are seeking domestic sources. This will create expansion opportunities for current U.S. manufacturers. Upton is uniquely positioned to support that growth and to be a home to growing companies, or those onshoring for the first time. 

Why Companies Should Onshore in Upton 

Location/Transportation Assets

Upton is centrally located in the continental United States, with the means to transport products or bring in supplies quickly and easily. US Highway 16 and State Highway 116 run through town, while Interstate 90 is 15 miles away and downtown Upton is less than 30 miles from US Highway 85, the major transportation route from Canada to Mexico. The FAA-approved Upton Municipal Airport is located next to the Tiger Transfer Logistics Park, along with access to the BNSF dual mainline railroad. The closest domestic airport is approximately 50 miles from Upton at the Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport. 

Available Commercial Sites

The most prominent commercial-industrial site in Upton is the Tiger Transfer Logistics Park, a 600+ acre BNSF-certified transload facility that is shovel-ready for development.  One property currently available in the park is a 32,160 square-foot industrial warehouse with truck scale, two rail sidings, one crane, four dock doors and two drive-in doors.  A 1,500 square-foot office space is included and the property is near several highways, an airport and rail service, with all utilities in place. 

Business-Friendly Climate

One of the most significant assets to Upton is being located in the business-friendly state of Wyoming. The state has been named the nation’s “Most Business Friendly Tax Climate” five years running by the Tax Foundation, primarily due to the variety of tax advantages for businesses looking to relocate or expand in Wyoming, such as no corporate or personal state income tax or inventory, franchise and occupation taxes.  

Several programs exist within the state to promote business needs. The Wyoming Business Council exists to focus public and private efforts to build a strong job creation base in the new economy with manufacturing and technology as core competencies while strengthening the existing business and industry groups under alternative energy, agriculture, manufacturing, high tech, transportation and logistics. The Wyoming Business Center provides businesses with assistance on legal protection and maximizing profits. The Wyoming Small Business Center includes high-caliber small business advisors  throughout the state to bring no-cost, confidential assistance to business owners. 

Workforce

Upton is a community that possesses a workforce with an entrepreneurial, innovative can-do attitude. The workforce population approaches 250,000 persons and extends throughout northeast Wyoming and southwest South Dakota.The state of Wyoming invests in workforce training, as evidenced by the Wyoming Works program. The endeavor helps adult students learn new skills and secure employment through available individual grants for students enrolling in approved programs at a Wyoming community college. It also provides a mechanism for colleges to apply for resources in support of the creation of high-demand programs.

Now is the Time to Onshore

COVID-19 has demonstrated the scope and scale of the impact a global pandemic can make, but it’s not the only disaster that can disrupt supply chains. Environmental factors can significantly impact business. The world has suffered an increase in severe hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, etc. - things that are unpredictable and cannot be controlled. Unfortunately, many countries where U.S. companies have manufacturing operations have been hardest hit by these disasters and their infrastructure is not secure enough to withstand them. For example, the 2001 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and floods in Thailand had crippling effects on the electronics and automotive manufacturing sectors. Put simply - the global supply chain is fragile. Businesses who want to protect themselves must onshore at least part of their operations to protect their interests.

We Can Help

The process of finding a site, obtaining permits, constructing a facility, hiring and training a workforce may seem daunting. The Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB) understands and is here to help. If onshoring is part of your business protection strategy, we can provide assistance throughout the entire process. Contact Stephanie at UEDB to learn more at director@uedb.org or 307-282-0652.

Resources and Further Reading 

https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/60-of-u-s-manufacturers-say-business-has-been-impacted-by-coronavirus/ 

https://knowledge-leader.colliers.com/bret_swango/covid-19-the-great-accelerator-of-onshoring-part-1/