AURORA | RK Industries, one of Colorado’s largest privately held employers, will bring its headquarters to Aurora in a move projected to bring 1,786 new jobs to the region over the next eight years, state and local officials said in a statement Wednesday.
The RK company, a second-generation family-owned firm specializing in construction, manufacturing and building services, will consolidate administration for four of its business units into a new 154,488-square-foot facility in Aurora, according to Kat Middleton House, spokesperson for the Aurora Economic Development Council. The project will include RK Industries, RK Mechanical, RK Service, RK Electrical, and the RK Foundation.
The company is currently headquartered in Denver and has two existing Aurora facilities in northeast Aurora. The location in Aurora of the new project was not immediately available.
Company and local officials touted the news as a local and statewide boon.
“Colorado is the best place to work and play,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. “We are thrilled to see RK Industries expand in Colorado, which helps grow our state’s thriving advanced manufacturing industry and create 1,786 good-paying jobs for Coloradans.”
The announcement came after more than two years of collaboration among RK Industries, the Aurora Economic Development Council, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the City of Aurora and Adams County’s economic development program. The project included site selection, incentive negotiations and workforce development planning, according to officials.
Jon Kinning, RK’s chief operating officer, said the company’s decision was rooted in both business needs and community ties.
“Relocating our headquarters to Aurora isn’t just about expanding our footprint in Colorado, it’s about expanding opportunity,” Kinning said in a statement. “We’re projecting to create over 1,700 good-paying jobs over the next eight years, investing heavily in workforce training, and strengthening the communities where our employees live and work.”
RK’s expansion marks the largest job creation commitment of any project approved this year under the state’s Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit program, according to the AEDC. The incentives are tied to performance benchmarks including net new jobs and salary requirements.
Colorado competed with sites in Texas and Arizona for the headquarters, but Aurora’s central location, existing RK facilities and because nearly half of the company’s employees already live in the city tipped the balance, officials said.
“The Aurora Economic Development Council supported RK Industries through every step of the process of selecting a new headquarters location,” said Wendy Mitchell, the council’s president and CEO. “This relocation and expansion reflects how we were able to match RK Industries’ business needs with Aurora’s strengths and assets.”
Founded in 1985 and with roots dating back to 1963, RK Industries operates eight business units across the Colorado region, serving industries from healthcare to data centers. The company employs thousands and company officials say the firm has a strong focus on workforce development, offering accredited apprenticeship programs in seven skilled trades, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC and welding.
Eve Lieberman, executive director of the state economic development office, said the expansion highlights the strength of Colorado’s advanced manufacturing sector.
“Colorado’s well-connected advanced manufacturing sector is a key driver of our economy, and RK Industries’ expansion in Aurora will significantly strengthen these industries while creating valuable jobs in this advanced manufacturing and skilled trade sector,” Lieberman said in a press statement.
Aurora officials said the company’s move will have long-lasting benefits.
“Aurora is proud to welcome RK Industries’ headquarters,” City Manager Jason Batchelor said. “With so many of their employees already calling Aurora home, this is the perfect fit for RK Industries and our community.”
Adams County officials echoed that sentiment.
“These are high-quality jobs with excellent wages and full benefits that will strengthen our economy and community for years to come,” said Adams County Commissioner and chairperson Lynn Baca.“This is a huge win for Adams County and the entire region.”
RK operates additional facilities in Denver, Henderson and Eagle-Vail, as well as in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Texas.