Montana Knife Company (MKC) celebrated a major milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new 50,000 square-foot manufacturing facility at the historic site of the former Missoula Stockyards.
The expansion comes as MKC seeks to grow beyond its current 10,000 square-foot space, which houses 65 employees. The new facility is projected to accommodate 150 to 200 workers, with a strong emphasis on hiring local talent over the next two years.
“The new facility will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also create valuable job opportunities for local machinists, engineers, and skilled workers,” said MKC Founder Josh Smith.
This expansion aligns with MKC’s commitment to offering alternative career paths for students who may not opt for traditional college education. The company aims to provide young people in the Missoula community with hands-on career opportunities in a skill-based industry that values craftsmanship and technical expertise.
In addition to creating jobs, the new facility will allow MKC to bring several processes in-house that are currently outsourced to other states, thereby improving production efficiency while reinforcing the company’s core values of quality and local manufacturing.
“Missoula is excited to have MKC break ground in the Wye area,” said Josh Slotnick, Missoula County Commissioner. “We are developing this area for local manufacturing, retail, and more, and MKC has taken the lead! We are proud to have them as the first building people see coming into Missoula.”
Scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025, the new headquarters will feature a unique customer experience. Visitors will be able to explore MKC’s full line of knives and apparel, shop products from other leading outdoor and hunting brands, and enjoy a Black Rifle Coffee Company franchise on-site. MKC also plans to host community events at the new facility to strengthen ties with the local area and its growing customer base.
Montana Knife Company is a leading American manufacturer of high-quality knives and outdoor tools, proudly based in Missoula, MT. With a focus on craftsmanship, durability, and functionality, MKC delivers products designed for hunting, survival, and everyday carry. The company is dedicated to creating local jobs and maintaining the highest standards of American-made excellence.
By: Montana Newsroom staff
