Leitner-Poma opens largest US ski lift manufacturing hub in Utah

The new Leitner-Poma of America facility in Tooele, Utah opened June 21, 2024. Photo: Leitner-Poma of America

“The demand for this new facility is a reflection of the growth in the resort industry as well as the growing interest of urban planners to seek out new, alternative forms of clean transportation.”

TOOELE, Utah — Leitner-Poma of America (LPOA) celebrated the grand opening of its new Skytrac manufacturing facility in Tooele, Utah. This new campus, located near Salt Lake City, is set to support LPOA’s Made in America initiative and will serve as the headquarters and sole manufacturing base for Skytrac, an LPOA subsidiary. The facility will significantly expand LPOA’s production capabilities to meet the increasing demand in the ski industry and urban markets.

“It’s a great day in Utah as we celebrate the opening of our newest, largest manufacturing facility in the U.S.,” said Daren Cole, president and CEO of LPOA. “The demand for this new facility is a reflection of the growth in the resort industry as well as the growing interest of urban planners to seek out new, alternative forms of clean transportation.”

The new 130,000-square-foot facility represents a $27 million investment and is LPOA’s largest in the country. It will focus on the production, design, installation, and service of fixed-grip ski lifts. The expanded space will allow Skytrac to increase production and expand its workforce to up to 120 employees, with potential for further growth in future phases.

Cole was joined at the opening by HTI Group Chairman Anton Seeber and Tooele City Mayor Debbie Winn. A video from Utah Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson was played, in which she commended LPOA for its investment in Utah and the positive economic impact of the new facility.

“At full capacity, this facility will provide 120 high-paying manufacturing jobs to sustain local families and contribute to the economic success of rural Utah,” said Lt. Governor Henderson. “The impact of this investment in Tooele extends far beyond the factory walls you’ll see today while on tour. A key partnership with nearby Tooele Technical College is already starting, intended to create hands-on learning opportunities for students.”

The partnership with Tooele Technical College includes six CTE scholarships, a tuition reimbursement program for machining and welding, and a lift maintenance program (currently in development).

In addition, LPOA is working with the Veteran and Military Employment Services team from the State of Utah Department of Workforce Services to connect veterans to job opportunities.

Skytrac’s new headquarters is strategically located on a 25-acre lot in the Tooele Business Park, providing easy access to highways, the airport, and Salt Lake City. This location also benefits from proximity to Utah-based suppliers of Made in America components and raw materials.

“These will be Made in America products by hardworking, local professionals,” added Cole. “We are doubling down on making 85-90 percent of our equipment right here in Utah and next door in Grand Junction, Colorado.”

The facility will feature a LTW42 wind turbine developed by LPOA’s affiliate company LEITWIND, which can cover up to 100% of the plant’s electricity needs. Solar panels are planned for the second phase of construction.