Gianforte Visits Multi-Generation Business Smith Supply & Others

Governor Greg Gianforte visited with two multi-generation, family businesses on his 56 County Tour in Missoula and Jefferson counties on Wednesday, August 28th.

"The American Dream is alive and well in Montana thanks to our hardworking job creators committed to carrying on their family legacy," Gov. Gianforte said. "We will continue to support them through our pro-business, pro-jobs policies and efforts to strengthen our workforce."

Starting off the day in Missoula, the governor met with the second generation of the Reid family at their manufacturing business, Diversified Plastics.

Founded in 1976 in Rod Reid's garage, the custom plastics fabrication and engineering company has grown to occupy a large facility in Missoula. It employs over 75 Montanans in competitive, high-wage jobs.

Meeting with Rod's son, Brad, and touring the facility, the governor heard more about the company and the products they manufacture, as well as about the apprentice and work-based learning opportunities they provide.

Making plastic products for a wide variety of industries, Diversified Plastics operates around the clock to make components for operations including ski lifts, car washes, food processing, and agriculture.

Reid shared that nearly all of his employees receive on-the-job training. They have had success operating a two-year apprenticeship through the Montana Department of Labor & Industry for Montanans to learn to mold. The company also offers opportunities for local high school students to train with them.

"When I first started working for my dad, we had eight employees. Today, we have 75 employees in Missoula in a high-wage job," Reid said. "Thanks to the support from the state through loan programs, we've been able to expand our operation with the goal to continue to increase wages, employ more people, and get a larger tax base."

Continuing on to Whitehall, the governor stopped by Smith Supply to visit with the Smith brothers and learn more about their family business, which serves Montana producers.

Providing feed, lumber, and other ag and ranch supplies, the Smiths bring over 65 years of experience operating their own ranch, producing hay and grain, and raising cattle and hogs.

Touring the store and warehouse with the family's second generation, the governor met with four of the brothers leading the operation started by their grandfather in 1959 and met their kids and grandkids.

"Now the third generation is coming into play and even their kids are already out here helping out and riding in the equipment. It's good to see," said John Smith.

The governor then stopped by Whitehall's new PULSE ambulance barn as well as met with constituents at The Two Bit Saloon.

Supporting Montana's small business owners, family farmers, and family ranchers is a top priority for Gov. Gianforte. Since taking office, the governor has increased the business equipment tax exemption from $100,000 to $1 million, eliminating the business equipment tax burden for more than 5,000 small businesses, farms, and ranches.