Montana Department of Commerce staff recently attended a groundbreaking ceremony in Missoula for a major expansion of the Montana Knife Company. The $18 million, 50,000-square-foot facility expansion was partially supported by $1.5 million of federal funding through Commerce’s Small Business Credit Initiative and Automation Loan Participation programs.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the growth of Montana Knife Company, a Montana business that started small and has become a standout in the American outdoor tactical gear economy,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “This expansion will bring new jobs to the community, including roles in manufacturing, engineering and business and showcases how the state’s open-for-business mindset and pro-growth programs are leading the nation for new business startups and business expansion.”
Founded in 2020 by Josh Smith, the Montana Knife Company began as a small operation in Frenchtown and has since become renowned for its handcrafted knives made for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and collectors. Known for their quality, durability and local craftsmanship, the company’s products range from hunting to culinary knives, with upcoming designs for waterfowl, fishing and tactical use. The new facility will allow the company to expand production to meet increasing demand while remaining rooted in Montana.
“We couldn’t be prouder to call this place home and start to build our 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Right now, we’re standing 70 employees strong and plan to add another 100 jobs in the next couple of years. This is proof you can build something in this country from the ground up,” said Josh Smith, Montana Knife Company Co-Founder and Master Bladesmith.
Commerce’s SSBCI program assists existing Montana businesses that need additional funds to stabilize, pivot, expand or re-start. SSBCI also helps new Montana businesses entering the market. The Automation Loan Program assists Montana manufacturers seeking to automate or modernize their existing operations and upskill their current workforce. With $1 million in SSBCI funding supporting land acquisition and $500,000 allocated for automation equipment, the expansion demonstrates the impact of public-private collaboration on local businesses and communities.