Written by Utah State Director, Dave Conine and Public Information Coordinator Donna Birk
USDA Rural Development-Utah and Bank of Utah recently recognized Azure Elite, Wescor Inc. as “Recovery Act Project of the Year.” Wescor was honored for its community leadership, vision and success, and its contribution to the mission of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Wescor can trace its roots back to 1966 when a group of fourteen Utah engineer faculty members founded it. Today Wescor is specialized in clinical laboratory equipment.
In April 2010, Bank of Utah financed a loan which was guaranteed through the USDA Rural Development Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program. The loan allowed Azure Elite LLC- Wescor INC, to purchase property and a warehouse in order to expand. The biomedical technology manufacturer, Wescor moved from a 14,000 square-foot plant to a 50,000 square-foot manufacturing facility. As a result, Wescor has steadily increased revenues, saved more than 100 jobs while creating new jobs, and maintaining profitability. The project is a prime example of the importance of public and private partnerships to improve quality of life by creating competitive, vibrant rural communities.
“I am pleased that USDA Rural Development has been able to work with The Bank of Utah and Wescor to guarantee a loan to expand this locally owned business. It is especially rewarding when our guarantees can help grow a local business that is committed to the community where it is based. Wescor has been growing in Cache County Utah for forty years. As a stable employer serving a global market, Wescor imports dollars to the northern Utah economy which contribute toward creating additional jobs among the providers of other goods and services in the Logan area,.” stated Dave Conine, USDA Rural Development State Director.
Congressional Representatives were in attendance at an awards ceremony along with State Senator, Lyle Hillyard. Lunch and tour of the manufacturing facility followed the presentation.
