In Montana, vehicle-animal collisions are a common concern, making it fitting for a company specializing in durable grille guards to set up shop there. Iowa-based Ex-Guard recently inaugurated its new manufacturing and logistics facility in Kalispell with Governor Greg Gianforte. “We needed access to the West Coast and Canadian markets, and Montana was a very attractive place to move part of our company to expand the business,” said Ex-Guard manager Ryan Holt.
Holt highlighted the favorable reception from Montana’s local government and the state’s commitment to reducing business barriers and income taxes as key reasons for choosing this location. The facility is situated at Glacier Rail Park, a 44-acre site integral to Kalispell’s redevelopment efforts. Ex-Guard initially purchased its lot in 2025 and expanded by acquiring an adjacent lot this spring for future growth.
Ex-Guard’s high-tensile steel grille guards are designed to withstand collisions, keeping trucks operational and minimizing downtime. Testimonials on the company’s website highlight how their products help drivers maintain vehicle integrity after hitting animals. Montana ranks high in wildlife-related road accidents, with the state Department of Transportation reporting over 6,000 carcasses cleared annually and more than 3,200 collisions each year.
The ribbon-cutting event is part of a series of significant business openings attended by Gianforte. “This investment means more investment in our communities and opportunities for Montanans across the state, especially right here in the Flathead,” Gianforte stated. His administration prioritizes a business-friendly environment, emphasizing the importance of private sector growth for economic prosperity.
The new Ex-Guard facility will employ around 40 people, also creating jobs in construction and landscaping. Montana is currently among the top five states for the fastest-growing economies and ranks second in annual hourly wage growth, with a 4.7% increase from 2024 to 2025, reaching $29.27. Gianforte credits policies that reduce regulations and allow residents to retain more earnings for this economic success. However, he acknowledges that high housing prices, particularly in areas like the Flathead Valley, remain a challenge, stating efforts are underway to reduce costs by cutting regulations on new buildings.
