Universal Glass Block, Inc. has announced their intention to relocate their operations to Grand Junction from Bend, Ore. Universal Glass Block is a manufacturing company that makes high-end custom framed glass block windows.
Universal Glass Block expects to create at least 20 new primary jobs within three years and will pay an average annual salary of at least $13 per hour to local new hires, plus a competitive benefit package and quarterly bonuses. Positions will include a plant manager, office manager, sales, distribution, and craftsmen. Capital investment is estimated to be at or over $1 million.
Universal Glass Block has been in business since 1993, and operated in Bend, Oregon under the name Pacific Accent Glass Block. The company’s windows are available through approximately 1,200 upper-end building supply retailers, primarily in the Western U.S. The company had sales of at least $1.5 million in 2004, and has significant expansion plans for the future.
John Rosamond, president of Universal Glass Block, said that he chose to move his business to Grand Junction for many reasons. The central location, Rosamond said, will help the company expand.
“We can service our existing customers on the west coast from here, and it will be much easier to broaden our distribution base in the Rocky Mountain states,” said Rosamond.
He also said that Universal Glass Block plans to expand into the Midwestern states, which are also more accessible from Grand Junction than from Oregon.
“We like the character of the community, the friendly, hard-working people, and the outdoor recreation opportunities in Grand Junction,” he said.
The City of Grand Junction, and the State of Colorado’s Economic Development Commission provided incentives to assist GJEP in bringing Universal Glass Block to the Grand Valley.
