Grand Junction’s economy is gaining a new manufacturing and outdoor industry presence with the relocation of Avatar Offroad, a producer of custom-fit accessories for vans and adventure vehicles, which has moved its headquarters to the city. The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) announced the move on October 1, detailing that the company has transitioned its operations from Sandy, Utah, to Grand Junction.
This relocation is set to enhance Mesa County’s manufacturing sector and create local employment opportunities, particularly in skilled trades. Avatar Offroad manufactures specialized storage systems, roof racks, mounting brackets, bumpers, ladders, and rock sliders. The company crafts custom equipment tailored for major camper van and truck platforms, including models from Ford, Mercedes, Nissan, and Promaster. All products are designed, tested, manufactured, and installed in-house by the company.
Avatar Offroad was founded by a family with over 30 years of experience in the outdoor sports and metalworking industries. The decision to move to Grand Junction was significantly influenced by the region’s robust outdoor recreation ecosystem and its supportive business climate. Wes Swearingen, owner of Avatar Offroad, stated that the move was a "natural fit" for their family-owned business. He noted that Western Colorado offers a "community that truly understands the outdoor lifestyle" and provides excellent testing grounds for their products.
The move was facilitated by Colorado’s Rural Jump-Start program, which aims to encourage economic development and job creation in economically distressed, rural counties across the state. Under this program, Avatar Offroad will receive $15,000 in grant funding to support the launch of its operations and will benefit from four years of tax incentives. Additionally, eligible employees will receive a state personal-income-tax credit while the company participates in the program.
Swearingen acknowledged the crucial support received from GJEP, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Colorado Mesa University (CMU), and the Rural Jump-Start Program. He said this support will allow the company to accelerate its manufacturing capabilities and establish deep roots in Mesa County.
Curtis Englehart, Executive Director of GJEP, commented on the significance of Avatar Offroad’s arrival. He stated that the company represents a "powerful addition to Mesa County’s outdoor industry and manufacturing sectors" and that their decision highlights the strength of the region’s infrastructure, skilled workforce, and collaborative business environment.
As part of its involvement with the Rural Jump-Start program, Avatar Offroad will collaborate with Colorado Mesa University. Sponsoring entities like CMU play a role in identifying business candidates for the program and working with them to ensure success within the community. This collaboration will provide valuable internships and apprenticeship opportunities for CMU students. Tom Benton, Director of the Maverick Innovation Center at CMU, described this as a "unique opportunity to support CMU students pursuing careers in the skilled trades within the outdoor recreation industry."
