Governor highlights construction rental company as an industry investment

Montana’s construction industry is growing, and so are investments into it.

Gov. Greg Gianforte helped cut the ribbon Monday at EquipmentShare, a new rental service business in Helena. The company is expected to open four locations in Montana, with an investment of $81 million in the state, according to the Governor’s office. 

The Missouri-based company is also expected to add over 80 jobs to the state, Gianforte said. Its website states it has 6,900 employees across 326 locations.

“We’ve seen remarkable interest in businesses expanding here, in large part because of our pro-jobs, pro-business policies,” Gianforte said during an interview Monday. “We’re excited to see EquipmentShare making this investment in Montana. It’s going to mean our construction industry is more efficient and safer, and means jobs in this business.”

Mark Wallace, a representative for EquipmentShare, explained why the company looks at the state as a place for growth.

“We see Montana as a place that not only has a thriving business environment, but is continuing to develop into the future,” Wallace told the Daily Montanan. “So the goal here is to build the future of construction in Montana with Montanans.”

EquipmentShare rents a variety of equipment, including boom lifts, industrial AC units and earthmoving equipment. Its offerings were on display Monday afternoon, with lifts extended around the yard and buckets of excavators filled with ice and cold drinks.

The company also provides some disaster relief services and rentals.

“We’re veterans in the disaster response category of equipment needs and construction needs, job site needs,” Wallace said. “We’ve unfortunately seen a number of natural disasters around the country, but thankfully, we’ve been in a position where we have a local branch and amazing team members across the country who are willing to jump up and assist the community in any way.”

During remarks at the event, Gianforte expressed optimism at job and economic numbers, mentioning Montana’s low unemployment rate. On Tuesday, the Governor’s Office announced the state’s July unemployment rate was 2.8% — the 10th straight month under 3%. The state ranks in the top five in the U.S. for low unemployment.

EquipmentShare also announced donations on Monday to two causes, including Angel Fund which helps children and families with school supplies. The other check was also aimed at youth, going to training and coaching technical industrial construction skills.