Aerospace Engineering Firm Eyes Magic Valley for $800 Million Manufacturing Campus in Idaho
An aerospace engineering and manufacturing company is eyeing the Magic Valley as a potential home for a major new manufacturing campus, a development that could bring more than 1,000 jobs to the Twin Falls and Jerome area within five years.
Janicki Industries, an aerospace engineering and manufacturing firm serving sectors ranging from defense and space to commercial aerospace and maritime, announced it is in the process of selecting a site for a new manufacturing campus representing an investment of more than $800 million. Officials with the company toured dozens of cities across Montana and Idaho before narrowing their shortlist to a handful of finalists — and two Idaho communities made the cut: Twin Falls and Jerome.
The company’s Community Relations and Educational Outreach Manager, Nick Lavacca, visited the Magic Valley and spoke positively about the region’s potential. “The Magic Valley is an amazing place, to say magical is an understatement, right? So it has all the boxes checked that we were looking for within the area, and that was gonna be workforce development capability, a welcoming community that’s looking for growth and strong jobs in a different kind of sector,” Lavacca said, according to KMVT.
Janicki Industries representatives came to Twin Falls and Jerome in February to meet with local leaders, tour prospective sites, and discuss workforce development pipelines and community incentives. The company’s final announcement is expected at the end of May.
A New Industrial Sector for Twin Falls County
For local economic development officials, the prospect of landing Janicki Industries represents more than just job numbers — it signals a potential shift in the type of industry available to Magic Valley workers.
Shawn Barigar, Economic Development Director for Twin Falls, told KMVT the company operates in a sector the region currently lacks. “They’re in an industry sector that we don’t currently have, so working in the aerospace industry, it aligns somewhat with some of our manufacturing facilities here but it really provides a new pathway for a whole different level of jobs we haven’t had available here,” Barigar said.
That distinction matters. Twin Falls County’s economy has historically been anchored in agriculture, food processing, and related manufacturing. Major employers like Chobani have brought significant industrial jobs to the region, but an aerospace and advanced engineering operation would represent a fundamentally different kind of economic activity — one requiring specialized technical training and offering the higher wage levels typically associated with engineering and precision manufacturing careers.
Camille Barigar, Executive Director of Jerome 20/20 Inc., echoed those sentiments, highlighting the opportunity for the region’s younger workers. “Those high quality, a lot of engineering jobs so it would kind of provide some more goals for some of the kids in high school, bring in 1,100 jobs at the end of build out,” she said, according to KMVT.
Janicki Industries describes itself as operating across a broad range of sectors including energy, maritime, ground transportation, commercial aerospace, defense, and space — giving the company both stability and growth potential as a long-term employer.
Competition Remains as Decision Deadline Approaches
While the news has generated significant interest across Twin Falls County, officials and residents should note that no final decision has been made. Lavacca confirmed that Janicki Industries is still evaluating its options, with Great Falls, Montana also remaining on the shortlist. The company is expected to announce its selection by the end of May 2026.
The potential economic impact of landing a project of this scale would be substantial. An $800 million campus with more than 1,000 high-skill jobs would rank among the largest single economic development announcements in Magic Valley history. Local leaders appear to be making an aggressive case for the region. Twin Falls County’s competitive advantages — including its workforce, transportation access along I-84, and proximity to the College of Southern Idaho for workforce pipeline development — are likely central to the pitch.
The region has also seen separate economic development discussions in recent months, including a proposal by Twin Falls automotive enthusiasts to lease county land for a new industry-standard drag strip and the planned opening of a new Panera Bread location in Twin Falls — signs of broader commercial momentum in the Magic Valley.
What Comes Next
Janicki Industries is expected to announce its final site selection by the end of May 2026. Twin Falls and Jerome both remain active candidates, along with Great Falls, Montana. Local economic development officials from both Idaho communities have already met with company representatives, and the coming weeks will likely involve continued negotiations and site evaluations. Twin Falls County News will continue to follow this story as the announcement date approaches. For broader Idaho economic and legislative coverage, visit Idaho News and Idaho News Network.