96-Year-Old Colorado Candy Maker Invests $20 Million in Grand Junction Expansion, Boosts Local Housing
A century-old Colorado success story is getting sweeter as Enstrom Candies announces a $20 million expansion in downtown Grand Junction, demonstrating continued faith in Western Colorado's economic future while helping address the region's affordable housing needs.
The family-owned confectionery, beloved by Coloradans for its signature buttery toffee, is constructing a 50,000-square-foot warehouse and shipping center that will preserve its historic downtown presence while creating new opportunities for local workers.
Keeping Colorado Traditions Alive
"Why would I give up a location that in a couple of years, we will have been operating here for 100 years right here in downtown?" said Doug Simons, Enstrom's president and CEO.
The expansion represents more than just business growth - it's a testament to multi-generational Colorado entrepreneurship. Simons and his wife Jamee, granddaughter of founder Chet Enstrom, recently passed the business to their two sons, marking four generations of Colorado family leadership.
Supporting Affordable Housing Solutions
In a move that demonstrates commitment to community development, Enstrom's sold 22 acres of land to the city of Grand Junction for affordable housing development. The planned Salt Flats development will provide:
- 324 to 500 new housing units
- Both rental and for-sale homes
- Housing targeted for workers earning under $100,000 annually
- $5.2 million in housing grants for infrastructure development
Growing Colorado's Economic Future
The expansion is part of a broader economic renaissance in Western Colorado, with Grand Junction attracting new businesses and retaining local talent. Curtis Englehart, Grand Junction Economic Partnership Executive Director, highlighted how the region is creating opportunities for Colorado's next generation.
"There's actually good opportunities for them to stay here whereas before it was like, 'I love it here, college was awesome. I'd love to stay, but there's not a job for me,'" Englehart explained.
Beyond traditional candy making, the company has launched Hybrid Confections, producing nutraceutical gummies and operating three shifts daily, further diversifying Grand Junction's economy and creating additional employment opportunities for local residents.
The expansion project is expected to be completed by March 2024, marking another chapter in this enduring Colorado business story that continues to sweeten the state's economic outlook.
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