Historic Grand Junction Candy Maker's $20M Expansion Signals Western Colorado's Economic Revival
A century-old Colorado family business is doubling down on its Grand Junction roots, as Enstrom Candies launches a $20 million expansion that showcases Western Colorado's growing economic vitality and commitment to workforce development.
The beloved candy maker's decision to expand locally rather than relocate reflects a broader transformation taking place across Colorado's Western Slope, where traditional businesses are adapting to serve a new generation while preserving hometown values.
Family Legacy Meets Modern Growth
Doug Simons, Enstrom's president and CEO, had initially planned to move operations away from downtown before the pandemic changed their perspective.
"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?"
"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?"
Instead of relocating, the company is building a 50,000-square-foot warehouse and shipping center less than 2 miles from their historic headquarters, with completion expected next March.
Supporting Colorado's Workforce Housing Needs
In a move that demonstrates commitment to community development, Enstrom's leadership sold 22 acres 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
- Infrastructure improvements funded by $5.2 million in housing grants
Economic Ripple Effects
The expansion is part of a larger economic renaissance in Western Colorado that's creating opportunities for local graduates and businesses. Curtis Englehart, Grand Junction Economic Partnership Executive Director, highlighted how the region is retaining more talent:
"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.'"
"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.'"
Innovation Beyond Traditional Candy
The Simons family is also diversifying Colorado's economy through Hybrid Confections, their newer venture producing nutraceutical gummies. This operation has already undergone a $3 million expansion and runs three shifts daily, creating additional jobs for Western Colorado residents.
As Colorado communities wrestle with economic development and workforce retention, Enstrom's expansion demonstrates how multi-generational businesses can adapt while maintaining their local roots and contributing to community growth.
Jamee Simons, speaking to the company's vision for Grand Junction's future, emphasized:
"We need to grow the young people."
"We need to grow the young people."
This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.
