Grand Junction company planning to ramp up production of modular homes

Fort + Home Seeks Expansion in Grand Junction

Fort + Home, a modular homebuilder and real estate firm, is looking to increase its manufacturing capacity in Grand Junction. Known internally as Project Elevate, the company has been granted $1.08 million in Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits by the Colorado Economic Development Commission.

This incentive is contingent on the company creating 97 new jobs with an average annual wage of $77,241, which is 135% of the average wage in Mesa County. This support is in line with Gov. Jared Polis’ efforts to address the affordable housing shortage in the state.

While Fort + Home has its roots in Grand Junction, it is also exploring Wyoming and Montana as potential locations for its modular homes, as stated in its application with the state.

Marty Magill, the company’s COO, mentioned to the EDC that Fort + Home is considering adding 125,000 to 140,000 square feet in manufacturing capacity. They are currently in talks with a local developer who has 500 available lots and is interested in their homes.

The company established a factory last year that can produce components for an entire modular home in just 10 days, as highlighted in a video featuring Jeff Zimmerman, the company’s president and CEO.

Zimmerman and his wife, Danielle, founded Fort + Home, which operates on an integrated real estate model encompassing home construction, sales, financing, and community development. They were also responsible for the renovation of the historic Hotel Melrose in downtown Grand Junction.

Fort + Home utilizes a Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) approach, creating panels with three layers for enhanced structural strength. This method sets them apart from traditional frame-built homes.

Magill mentioned that the company has been self-funded thus far, and state incentives are subject to proof of raising $1 million, below their target of $1.5 million.