Wyoming is luring three aerospace startups from Colorado with more than $6 million in incentives.
The companies are based in southern Colorado and employ a total of 14 people. Officials with the companies estimate that they could add up to 550 workers over the next five years.
“These are new companies, but you’ve got to start somewhere,” said Karen Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the Laramie Economic Development Corp. “We’ve done our homework, and we believe these are the real deal.”
The companies – which are interconnected – are expected to sign letters of intent with Wyoming officials next week, according to Gibbons and chief executives of the companies.
Colorado didn’t provide an incentive package and usually doesn’t offer much for startups, said Jeff Holwell, division director of business development for the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
“It’s difficult for us to work with any startup in general,” Holwell said. “Investing taxpayer money in a company that doesn’t have strong financial history is obviously risky.”
The companies are:
Wyoming – flush with a $2 billion state surplus largely from energy royalties – will spend $6 million to construct two buildings at a business park near the Laramie Regional Airport that will house the companies, Gibbons said.
The state will also offer job- training funds of $4,000 for each new employee, she said.
“The state of Wyoming is very proactive with state grants to help get businesses located there,” said Paul Klahn, Nexaer chief executive.
Klahn said the company could bring its plane to market next year, eventually produce 550 planes a year and grow to 150 to 300 employees over five years.
Enfusion could grow to 150 workers and Near Space could grow to 100 workers over the next five years, said John Hawley, chief executive of Enfusion and CollaborX, co-owner of Near Space. Hawley said he plans to stay in Colorado Springs.
The companies could move to Laramie – roughly 150 northwest of Denver – by this fall.
Staff writer Kelly Yamanouchi can be reached at 303-820-1488 or kyamanouchi@ denverpost.com.
Staff writer Andy Vuong can be reached at 303-820-1209 or avuong@denverpost.com.
