Industries

Aerospace

Colorado is a leading aerospace state and ranks No. 1 for private-sector employment concentration. Adams County, with 4.9% of the state’s private aerospace employment (up from 2.2% in 2017), 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 and will add 800 jobs here during the next eight years. Another industry milestone in 2018 included the FAA awarding the nation’s 11th site operator license to Colorado Air and Space Port – which positions the facility in Adams County as America’s hub for commercial space transportation, research, and development.

Aviation

Colorado Air and Space Port (CASP) located just six miles southeast of Denver International Airport, anchors the County’s aviation industry. With 3,200 acres of land and a host of aviation companies located on site, it is one of the largest general aviation airports in the United States. With an annual economic impact of more than $75 million, CASP supports nearly 500 jobs with an annual payroll of $32 million. CASP is currently completing a Master Plan to guide future development at the site, with proposed plans including an aerospace technology park that will spur research and commercial development opportunities, unmanned aircraft systems, suborbital flight, and point-to-point supersonic flight.

Bio/Life Science

Adams County is the cornerstone of the state’s burgeoning bio/life science industry with the country’s largest medical-related redevelopment project–the $5.4 billion Fitzsimons Innovation Community (FIC) and the adjacent Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, which collectively employ nearly 25,000 people. The development generates significant R&D opportunities and economic impact with than 6 million square feet of corporate and bioresearch facility space are being developed, combining education, research, innovation, and patient care. To date, more than 750 jobs have been created through incubator programs at FIC, along with $800 million in grants and venture capital investment. 

Food, Agribusiness & Beverage

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. Job growth in the food manufacturing area has doubled in the past 10 years. Further impacting the future of the industry here is a new development just beyond Adams County’s border, in Denver. The National Western Center is cultivating exciting new programs in partnership with Colorado State University with research and educational programs focused on water, sustainability, food, and human and animal health. 

Manufacturing

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. In 2018, TruStile Doors, which manufactures high-quality interior and exterior doors for residential and commercial use, announced a major expansion in Unincorporated Adams County. The company purchased 15 acres, building a 300,000-square-foot facility where it will double its manufacturing capacity.