Lunar Resources, Inc. will build its HELIX-1 Factory in Salt Lake County, a move that is expected to create more than 400 high-paying jobs and drive nearly $85 million in investment into Utah over the next decade. The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development announced June 11 that it has awarded the company a post-performance tax reduction to support the project.
Details on new manufacturing facility
The new facility is expected to become the largest pulsed power manufacturing facility in the United States. Lunar Resources specializes in pulsed power technologies, which utilize extremely high power pulses of energy in short bursts for use in defense, industrial power systems, and space exploration.
Jefferson Moss, commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, said the expansion will help establish Utah as a leader in advanced manufacturing and technology. He described the company's work as a powerful economic catalyst that aligns with the state's future-focused goals.
The project is being supported through the Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF) program, which provides tax credits or grants to companies that meet specific performance benchmarks. Under the agreement, Lunar Resources will receive a 30% post-performance tax credit based on new state tax revenue.
Economic impact and job projections
Projections for the 10-year timeline include the creation of 420 jobs with total wages reaching approximately $188 million. The project is also expected to generate more than $47 million in new state tax revenue.
Overview of EDTIF program requirements
The EDTIF program, established by the Utah Legislature in 2005, targets specific industries in urban counties, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, and software and information technology. To qualify for incentives in urban areas like Salt Lake County, new jobs must pay at least 110% of the average county wage.
According to the Governor's Office of Economic Development, since its inception, roughly two-thirds of the companies participating in this state tax credit incentive program have been Utah-based businesses.
National focus on energy technology
The expansion comes amid a broader national focus on advancing nuclear and energy technologies. On May 23, 2025, President Trump issued four executive orders directing the U.S. Department of Energy to lead a 'nuclear renaissance.'
New federal nuclear reactor initiatives
One of these orders, Executive Order 14301, directed the Department of Energy to establish a new Reactor Pilot Program to expedite the testing of advanced reactor designs. The program aims to reach criticality for at least three advanced nuclear reactor concepts outside of national laboratories by July 4, 2026.
Reasons for choosing Utah location
Elliot Carol, CEO of Lunar Resources, stated that the company chose Utah because of its exceptional talent pool and supportive business environment. He noted that finding a location capable of fostering innovation was essential as the company scales operations to meet demand for its Helix Driver technology.
