Oatly, Inc. will expand its operations in Utah, adding up to 50 jobs and up to $40 million in capital investment in Weber County over the next seven years. The food manufacturing company’s flagship product is oatmilk, an original oat-based drink produced using patented enzyme technology that turns oats into nutritional and delicious liquid food. The company worked Atlas Insight LLC, a New Jersey-based site selection firm to make the location decision.
“As a 25-year-old company, we’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm and incredible demand for Oatly that we’ve seen here in the states over the past few years. We’re equally excited that we’ve been able to make our products for the U.S. here in North America,” said Oatly U.S. General Manager Mike Messersmith. “Through this partnership with the state of Utah, our upcoming factory in Ogden will help us keep oatmilk in all the many coffee shops, grocery stores and refrigerators that want it.”
Oatly may earn up to 10 percent of the new state taxes it will pay over the life of the seven-year agreement in the form of a post-performance Economic Development Tax Increment Finance (EDTIF) tax credit rebate. As part of the contract with Oatly, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board of Directors has approved a post-performance tax credit rebate not to exceed $295,463. Each year that Oatly meets the criteria in its contract with the state, it will earn a portion of the total tax credit rebate.
“Oatly is a great addition to Utah’s manufacturing community and will add to our food and beverage industry in the state,” said Val Hale, GOED executive director. “As their first operation in the west, Ogden is a great fit and we’re excited to have them in Utah.”
“EDCUtah is excited for Oatly to establish a significant presence in Utah,” said Theresa Foxley, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. “This will be the company’s first operation in the western U.S., and their corporate values of sustainability and environmental friendliness align nicely with our vision for economic development in Utah. Oatly will help raise the bar for employee compensation in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, and we appreciate the support of GOED, Ogden City, the Business Depot Ogden, and other partners to bring this project to fruition.”
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