UT: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc. Expansion to Occur in Ogden, Utah

For 33 years Newell Window Furnishings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newell Rubbermaid Inc., marketer of well-known brands including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Levolor and Kirsch, has had a manufacturing operation in Utah.

The company, which markets home decorative window furnishings throughout the world, currently manufactures its Levolor and Kirsch blind and cellular shade products for the North American market in two locations in Utah, employing approximately 415 individuals, as well as a location in Agua Prieta, Sonora Mexico.  However, in order to continue to meet current production needs and in preparation for expected future growth, the company needed to consolidate and expand in one or the other location.  Through the assistance of a number of partners at the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Weber County, Ogden City, Dept. of Workforce Services and Ogden Weber Applied Technology College, the company has made the decision to expand in Utah.  This expansion will require a new location in Ogden, Utah.  As a result, all 415 existing jobs will be retained and 50 new full-time positions will be created in the larger new facility.

“We are pleased to have worked with state, county and city officials to reach an agreement that will enable us to expand our footprint today and allow for future growth in Northern Utah,” said Kristie Juster, President of Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.  “Our Levolor and Kirsch window fashion brands have been proud to be part of the State of Utah for 33 years, and we look forward to putting down deeper roots in Ogden City and Weber County, and to delivering on our commitment to these communities.”

Jan Zogmaister, Weber County Commissioner, noted the teamwork that helped the company make the decision to grow in Utah saying, “Weber County is excited that Newell Window Furnishings has chosen Ogden as the location to expand its Utah operations, and that Weber County and the Weber Economic Development Corporation could play a role in their site selection process.”

Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey agreed, “We are excited to have such a reputable company like Newell Window Furnishings adding jobs in Ogden.  There were many critical partners involved in making this happen and we are grateful to have participated with them.” 

Weber County has offered an incentive to the company that will help keep jobs in Utah and attract the project to Ogden, and the City will also be assisting the company with the expansion.

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development Board reviewed the business opportunity and voted to offer a single taxpayer post-performance incentive to the company as a part of the package that helped the company reach the decision to stay and grow in the State.  The company will be investing up to $1.3 million in the new facility and adding 50 new jobs over the next five years.  The new positions will be at least 125 percent of the Weber County average salary and will include full benefits.  The company is expected to pay more than $82 million in state wages over the five year period and will pay in excess of $3.8 million in new state tax revenue over same period.

A key part of the Utah expansion package presented to the company included incumbent and new worker training provided by both the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) and the Ogden-Weber Applied Tech College.  As noted by Collette Mercier, President, "Ogden-Weber Applied Tech College and our Custom Fit Department look forward to working with Newell Window Furnishings in the development and delivery of training for its employees.  Our training expertise partnered with their reputation for quality products will ensure a great future for Newell Window Furnishings and its employees."  In addition to the Custom Fit training, the Department of Workforce Services “will be a partner in helping to recruit and develop a skilled workforce to fill the employment needs of Newell Window Furnishings," said Randy Hopkins, Wasatch Front North Service Area Director at DWS.

Spencer Eccles, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development noted there are many states around the country that would give anything to be in Utah’s solid economic situation right now.  Eccles indicated that, “The sound leadership of Governor Herbert and our Legislature has put Utah in an enviable position of economic strength.  We must compete on a world stage, and our many strengths enable us to retain, attract, and grow business in Utah.  Fortunately, we have both the tools and a business friendly environment to successfully partner with great companies like Newell Rubbermaid.”



About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) 
Web: www.business.utah.gov
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) charter is based on Governor Gary Herbert’s commitment to economic development statewide. The mandate for this office is to provide rich business resources for the creation, growth and recruitment of companies to Utah and to increase tourism and film production in the state. GOED accomplishes this mission through the administration of programs that are based around targeted industries or “economic clusters” that demonstrate the best potential for development. GOED utilizes state resources and private sector contracts to fulfill its mission.  For more information please contact:  Michael Sullivan, 801-538-8811 or mgsullivan@utah.gov