Central States opens new metal manufacturing plant in Tooele, Utah

New site is nationwide manufacturer’s 13th plant and westernmost facility, will produce panels, purlin, trim and the exclusive Alpha Framing System.

Central States Inc., one of the largest manufacturers of metal building products in the nation, opened its newest manufacturing facility last week, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued growth and commitment to employee ownership. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held September 18, welcomed company leaders, local and state officials and community members to the 100,000-square-foot facility located in the Peterson Industrial Depot. 

The Tooele plant is Central States’ 13th manufacturing facility and its westernmost location to date. It represents a multi-million-dollar investment in the Tooele community and is projected to create more than 90 new positions. 

“This facility is more than just a building — it’s a symbol of our commitment to growth, innovation and the power of employee ownership,” said Jim Sliker, CEO of Central States. “We’re proud to be investing in Tooele and excited to welcome new employee-owners into our family.” 

This manufacturing expansion supports Central States’ fast-growing pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) business, as well as its roofing and siding, post-frame, self-storage, living spaces and metal components operations. The site will manufacture a variety of residential and commercial roof and wall panels in a variety of gauges, a wide selection of accompanying trim and structural purlin. The new plant will also produce the innovative Alpha Framing System, a proprietary framing system that is faster to install than traditional framing methods and is offered exclusively through Elevate Structures, a Central States company. 

The Tooele plant opening marks the first time in company history that Central States has opened two new manufacturing sites in the same year. In August 2025, the company celebrated the launch of its Springdale, Arkansas frame and structural steel plant under its Central States Building Works business. 

“Opening our 13th plant — and our second new facility this year — is a testament to the strength of our team and the trust our customers place in us,” said Doug Watts, president of Central States Manufacturing.

The ribbon cutting also featured remarks from Debbie Winn, mayor of Tooele, and EDCUtah Executive Director Ryan Starks, both of whom praised the company’s investment in the region and its impact on local employment and economic development. 

“EDCUtah was pleased to support the Central States Manufacturing during their site selection process, and we’re grateful for the chance to celebrate this important milestone alongside them,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah. “The jobs created here will deliver tremendous benefits to residents of Tooele and the surrounding communities.” 

About Central States 

Central States, Inc. (www.centralstatesco.com) is 100% employee-owned and was founded in 1988. With more than 1,400 employee-owners and 13 manufacturing facilities in 2025, the company serves more than 6,000 commercial, architectural, post-frame and residential contractors and distributors across the United States across three business operating units. Central States Manufacturing is a leading manufacturer of metal building components with 15 metal roofing and wall panel profiles and a full line of trim, accessories and structural purlin. Another new factory opened in 2025: a frame and structural steel plant for Central States Building Works, a business unit that provides material-only building packages for self-storage and pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB). In 2023, Central States acquired Elevate Structures (formerly Storage Structures, Inc.), a construction leader in midrise multi-story buildings, offering the proprietary Alpha Framing System™.