Western Skyways will relocate from Montrose to Delta, according to the One Delta County Economic Alliance.
The decision to relocate was “driven by a strategic plan to reduce overhead expenses and leverage the labor pool in surrounding areas such as the Surface Creek valley, the North Fork valley and Mesa County.”
Delta’s location between Montrose and Grand Junction was part of the decision, according to the press release from the Economic Alliance.
“Our rent in Montrose was the second largest expense for the company,” said Western Skyways President Eric Barker. “Owning our own building in Delta will decrease our overhead costs and enable us to attract skilled labor from a wider region.”
The building that Western Skyways purchased is at 18436 F Road in Delta. It is a 6.25-acre heavy-duty industrial facility that spans 20,245 square feet and an additional 8,500 square-foot concrete pad, allowing for future expansion.
The company has a workforce of 55 employees with an average tenure of 17 years. The company was purchased in January 2019 by four of the former management team: Eric Barker, Don McArther, Ryan Dickerson and Tony Bogart, all who have been with the company for more than 20 years.
“Our employees are the backbone of our success,” Barker said. “ We believe in investing in their best interests because when we support them, they, in turn, support us. We provide good pay and high-quality career paths within the company.”
The company has been in Montrose since 1995 and can overhaul about 40 engines per month, according to reporting by the Montrose Business Times in 2023. The company was founded in Troutdale, Oregon.
Western Skyways has seen sales increase 30% to 40% since the COVID pandemic, with volumes remaining strong, according to the release.
“We have been in contact with Western Skyways for a couple of years. They have been considering Delta due to its favorable environment for growth and expansion and its strategic geographic location for employee recruitment,” said Greg Pope, One Delta County’s executive director. “When the property on F Road became available, it presented an excellent opportunity fo rthe company to make the move. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Western Skyways to Delta County.”
Justin Tubbs is the Montrose Business Times editor. He can be reached by email at justin@montrosebusinesstimes.com or by phone at 970-765-0915 or mobile at 254-246-2260.
