ATCO using 90% local suppliers

ATCO’s new factory in Pocatello opened it’s doors Wednesday, providing jobs for nearly 200 locals, and it could have an even bigger impact on the local economy.

Local leaders said ATCO’s influence on other local businesses could be even more important than the jobs it directly creates.

“And that’s as exciting as anything. There will be 200 jobs here, but those 200 jobs will probably produce another 700, 800 or 900 jobs elsewhere,” Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad said.

According to ATCO, 90 percent of the suppliers to the business will be local companies.

At the Pocatello factory, ATCO will make modular residences- workforce facilities that have been sent to places like Abu Dhabi or Australia.

Blad said communities across the country were competing to get ATCO, but Pocatello won out.

“They did their homework and they definitely know and understand a good workforce when they see it,” Blad said.

ATCO executives said they’re very confident ATCO won’t be the kind of company that starts strong in the area and then fades away in a few years.

“We’re in some economic uncertain times, but what we want to do is be in the community for the long term. Not just for a year or two, but for the long term,” ATCO Executive Vice President of Operations George Lidgett said.

Depending what the future economy holds, ATCO said other nearby facilities in this Pocatello industrial park could provide room to grow.

“If the opportunity shows itself where we need additional capacity, this would definitely be a place we would be looking to, to expand our capabilities. When that would happen, I don’t know,” Lidgett said.

ATCO said the Pocatello plant should reach full production by mid July.