Economic Development

Colorado is a leading aerospace state and ranks No. 1 for private-sector employment concentration. Adams County, with 8.4% of the state’s private aerospace employment, contributes heavily to the state’s aerospace economy. Maxar, a global leader in advanced space technology solutions for commercial and government markets, moved its corporate headquarters from San Francisco to Westminster in 2018. Another industry milestone in 2018 included the FAA awarding the nation’s 11th site operator license to Colorado Air and Space Port —  a future hub for commercial space transportation, research, and development.

Colorado is a balanced energy leader with rich assets of both natural and renewable resources. Fossil fuel development that originally crossed Adams County is now being replaced by new renewable footprints for solar and geothermal. The region is also home to innovative manufacturers like Solid Power, which is creating solid-state batteries for electric vehicles in their Thornton factory. Adams County counts 7% of the state’s total workforce in energy and natural resources. A third of the jet fuel for Denver International Airport comes from the Suncor refinery in Commerce City, as well as a majority of the asphalt for the state.

Suncor Energy USA, Odyssey Project, Commerce City, CO

Adams County is the cornerstone of the state’s health and life science industry with one of the largest developments in the U.S. representing the second biggest economic engine in Colorado behind the Denver International Airport. The $5.4 billion Fitzsimons Innovation Community (FIC) and the adjacent $5.8 billion Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora collectively employ nearly 23,000 people. The development generates significant R&D opportunities and economic impact with more than 6 million square feet of corporate and bioresearch facility space being developed, combining education, research, innovation, and patient care. FIC companies introduced 16 new innovations in 2021 from pharmaceuticals to molecular biology to medical devices and received 12 unique patents.

Food and beverage manufacturing, in addition to agribusiness, are key components of this Adams County industry. Overall the sector employs nearly 5,000 people countywide, which is about 7% of the statewide total. Job growth in the food manufacturing area has doubled in the past 10 years. Traditional manufacturers like Hammond’s Candies have been in business for over 100 years, while newcomers like Meati Foods are pushing boundaries by delivering alternative proteins. Local wineries, breweries, and distillers are a growing segment of small producers who have learned from the strong ecosystem across the state to produce award-winning products, such as Balistreri Vineyards. With over 80% of the county still considered rural, there is plenty of land for future development and research for growing agribusiness companies.

Diverse businesses produce products ranging from computers and electronics to metal products and general manufactured goods in Adams County’s manufacturing industry. Job growth in the industry is substantial, increasing at an average of 4.2% annually during the past five years. TruStile Doors manufactures high-quality interior and exterior doors for residential and commercial use in a 300,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility that generates its own power from wood waste and solar. Many companies take advantage of the local enterprise zones to obtain tax credits while growing their innovative, advanced manufacturing companies.