Salt Lake City and DPS Skis, producers of the world’s most advanced skis and ski products, has announced plans to expand their Granary District operation. The new 25,000 sq. ft. facility at 537 West 600 South will allow for increased production to meet growing demand and facilitate expanding product lines.
DPS Skis was founded in 2005 in Colorado by Stephan Drake and Peter Turner, who had the vision to make perfect skis worthy of those who live and breathe the sport. As more employees joined the company, they moved their headquarters to Salt Lake City in 2014 to take advantage of economic incentives and an excellent product testing ground in the nearby Wasatch Mountains. By accessing the local talent pool, they learned the biggest breakthroughs in ski technology happen when the pioneers of the sport work closely with the engineers and product developers. With its headquarters and factory in Salt Lake City, DPS can build and test skis in the same day.
“Salt Lake City’s strategic location is close to both the mountains and the airport,” said Salt Lake City Economic Development Director Lara Fritts. “Nowhere else can you have this kind of presence, manufacturing space and access to the ski community ecosystem, which makes the Capital City an ideal location for DPS Skis to expand its operations.”
“The new location of our world headquarters and factory, in the Granary District of downtown Salt Lake City, provides unparalleled integration with the vibrant ski community, the majestic Wasatch Mountains and business support infrastructure,” said DPS COO Alex Adema. “Being part of the growth Salt Lake has seen in recent years is a great way to continue building relationships and investing in our community.”
The new facility doubles DPS Ski’s manufacturing space, making way for new product development and vertical integration.
“Salt Lake City’s economic development team was a big help,” said Adema. “They connected us with the resources we needed from the local business community and were helpful in evaluating site options. We’re thrilled to be part of the growing Granary District.”
DPS Skis is a recipient of Salt Lake City’s Economic Development Loan Fund. The expansion adds additional jobs in manufacturing, product development, marketing, and sales positions.
“Outdoor businesses, particularly those in the ski and winter sports category, are a critical component of Salt Lake City’s overall economic environment,” said Mayor Jackie Biskupski. “Not only do these businesses bring jobs and investment, they help maintain the outdoor culture Salt Lake City is famous for. Like me, many people came here for the mountains and never left, it is what makes our community unique.”
About DPS Skis: Located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah, DPS designs the world’s most advanced ski products by fusing space age carbon technology with groundbreaking shapes. DPS is responsible for the world’s first and only pure pre-pregnated carbon fiber sandwich ski, the first 120mm-waisted powder pintail, the first rockered ski with sidecut, the Spoon – a convex three-dimensional shoveled ski with radical edge bevel and PHANTOM, a paradigm-shifting permanent, one time application base-coating that forever eliminates the need for waxing skis and snowboards. DPS products are sold on five continents and are the trusted brand of choice for serious skiers worldwide. For more information visit www.dpsskis.com or call +1.801.413.1737.
About Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development: Formed in 2016, under the leadership of Mayor Jackie Biskupski, Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development is focused on building Salt Lake City as a vibrant, beautiful, prosperous, diverse, and authentic place – a place that is economically accessible to everyone. Known as the “Crossroads of the West,” Salt Lake City is strategically located for businesses to succeed. SLCDED works to streamline processes, provide excellent customer service, and offer an array of resources and services to recruit and retain businesses in the City, and ensure they have the tools to thrive.
