EAST HELENA, MT -- Governor Greg Gianforte on Wednesday cut the ribbon on a new Torgerson’s Equipment branch in East Helena.

“I’m thrilled to join Team Torgerson and celebrate that Montana is open for business,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Since I came into office, our goal has been to reduce red tape so our Montana businesses can create more good paying jobs and expand their operations across the state.”

With 15 locations and over 300 employees across Montana and Wyoming, Torgerson’s is an agricultural dealership that sells parts, products, and services to farmers and ranchers. Founded in 1912, the family-owned business is now operated by the fourth generation, Brion Torgerson.

During a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new location and speaking to their customer-focused services, Torgerson said, “This is exciting for us to come to a location really because of our customers. We are vertically integrated to ag and construction, and number one for us is our customers. And that is exactly why we are here. For me being fourth generation, with the fifth generation coming on the way, we want to make sure that we hear you as our customers.”

The visit to the new shop came on the heels of the governor’s press conference to highlight Montana’s significant job and wage growth.

According to an annual report issued by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Montana added 8,700 jobs last year.

Additionally, the report showed that Montana ranks second in the nation for fastest wage growth since 2020 and the average wage earned by Montana workers reached $57,230 in 2023, a 5 percent increase over the year. Notably, Montana is only one of two states in the nation where wage growth outpaced inflation since 2020.

Creating the best environment for business and more opportunities for Montanans is a top priority of the Gianforte administration. Last spring, the governor was proud to deliver the largest tax cut in state history, providing income tax cuts for Montanans at every level, as well as immediate and long-term property tax relief.

In addition, the governor has reformed the state’s tax code to cut red tape and promote business investment and job creation, attracting businesses from around the world to Montana.