State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Cuts Ribbon on Hybrid Steel Design Facility Expansion
Celebrates Montana’s pro-business climate
FORT BENTON, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today cut the ribbon on the expansion of Hybrid Steel Design’s facility in Fort Benton and celebrated the company’s growing investment in Montana’s economy.
“Since taking office, our focus has been on creating an environment that supports innovation and job creation in Montana,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It’s great to see businesses like Hybrid Steel Design able to grow and create more good-paying jobs thanks to our pro-business, pro-jobs policies.”
Gov. Gianforte cutting the ribbon at the Hybrid Steel Design facility in Fort Benton
Founded in 2012, Hybrid Steel Design first offered its welding repair service to the local Geraldine and Fort Benton farming and ranching communities. Due to rising demand from Montana manufacturers, the company in 2018 transitioned into the millwright industry and has helped to expand processing capacity at Montana companies like IND Hemp, Pasta Montana, and Central Avenue Meats.
Touring the facility, the governor heard of Hybrid Steel Designs’ investment and highlighted Montana’s pro-business climate.
Operating out of their commercial building in Fort Benton since 2022, Hybrid Steel Design owners Levi and Ashley Clark hope to expand on their initial $500,000 capital investment.
To support small businesses, the governor last spring increased the business equipment tax exemption from $100,000 in 2021 to $1 million, eliminating the tax burden for 5,000 Montana businesses.
Proposed by the governor in his Budget for Montana Families and signed into law in March 2023, House Bill 212 sponsored by Rep. Josh Kassmier, R-Fort Benton, cuts taxes for Montana's small business owners by expanding the exemption from $300,000 to $1 million.
And, to boost the skills of hardworking Montanans and meet the needs of employers, the governor also proposed and established the Montana Trades Education Credit (MTEC) in 2021, providing employers with a tax credit for employee education and training. The governor nearly doubled MTEC in 2023.
Through Hybrid Steel’s Design’s Eric Burtchett Memorial Scholarship Fund, Montana residents who attend a Montana trade school are eligible for financial support to help fund their education. In 2023, the scholarship awarded $8,000 to students. This year, the Clarks hope to increase that amount to $12,000. The program is funded by contributions from the community.
Speaking to the importance of supporting a stronger workforce and sharing more about the fund, Ashley Clark shared more about the scholarship program.
“This is available to high school kids getting out of school, or young adults wanting to go back and further their education and skills,” Clark said. “We have extended our application deadline to March 15th so that we can continue to support the growth and quality of Montana trades.”
“Levi and Ashley are a perfect example of Montanans coming home and investing back into their community. The services they provide are integral to our Montanan manufacturing industry – I am grateful for their investment in our state and communities,” Gov. Gianforte concluded.
To learn more about the scholarship fund, visit www.ericburtchettmemorial.com.