Montana’s construction industry is getting a major boost with an $81 million investment from EquipmentShare, one of the nation’s fastest-growing construction-technology and equipment-rental companies. Governor Greg Gianforte announced the expansion on August 18, 2025, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for EquipmentShare’s first facility in Helena.

“When we welcome companies like EquipmentShare to Montana, we unlock jobs and innovation to make our state and construction industry stronger,” said Gianforte. “It’s great to help cut the ribbon on the first of four facilities across Montana and celebrate a significant investment that is sure to build a stronger future for our contractors.”

The Helena branch marks the beginning of EquipmentShare’s footprint in the state, with three additional locations planned in Billings, Kalispell, and Great Falls. Together, the four facilities are expected to employ nearly 100 Montanans while serving as critical hubs for the state’s construction economy. Each facility will stock a wide range of heavy equipment and provide on-site maintenance and repair services to help contractors keep projects on schedule.

Charles Dodd, General Manager of the Helena branch, highlighted how the company aims to partner with Montana builders. “Montana is growing fast, and we’re proud to be here to support the builders behind that momentum,” he said. “With our technology, modern fleet, and a boots-on-the-ground service mindset, we’re ready to help contractors across the state tackle the toughest jobs and keep projects moving forward. This is just the beginning.”

EquipmentShare, headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, has quickly scaled its presence nationwide, with more than 330 branches already in operation and plans to open over 600 in the near future. Its expansion into Montana represents a strategic investment in a state where infrastructure growth and population increases are fueling demand for construction services.

Jabbok Schlacks, co-founder and CEO of EquipmentShare, emphasized the company’s mission-driven approach: “Our mission is to make construction safer, more productive and more secure, community by community. Launching in Helena and expanding across Montana allows us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the contractors who are quite literally building the state’s future.”

Beyond equipment rentals, EquipmentShare is known for integrating advanced technology into the industry. Its fleet management platform helps contractors track machinery, reduce downtime, and optimize workflows—tools that will directly benefit Montana builders as the state navigates growth pressures in housing, transportation, and infrastructure.

For Gianforte, the investment is not only about machines and facilities but also about jobs and long-term resilience. The governor pointed to Montana’s competitive business climate, workforce potential, and rapid growth as reasons companies like EquipmentShare see the state as a strategic opportunity.

With billions in public and private projects underway—from highway improvements to housing developments—this $81 million investment signals confidence in Montana’s future. It strengthens local capacity, provides modern equipment access, and ensures contractors have the support needed to deliver projects on time and on budget.

As Gianforte concluded, the expansion represents “a significant milestone for Montana’s construction sector, positioning the state for continued economic strength and community growth.”

Originally reported by Nick Chrestenson in Newstalk KGVO.