It all started in the Kaddas family kitchen more than 52 years ago. Now Kaddas Enterprises is expanding its operations in Salt Lake City. The second-generation, family-owned business manufactures plastic products for industrial and commercial use.

The company is perhaps best known for BirdguarD, its self-designed, patented product that covers and protects power infrastructure against animal-caused power outages.

Currently located in the City on California Avenue, the company will move its facility to the International Center, just west of the Salt Lake City International Airport and adjacent to the Northwest Quadrant. This expansion increases Kaddas Enterprises’ production area to 48,700 square feet, a 300 percent increase.

In addition, the company will be doubling its staff by creating approximately 25 jobs. It will also add two large pieces of equipment–-utilizing cutting-edge technology to increase capability and capacity. The company has a global footprint, shipping products to more than 14 countries.

Kaddas Enterprises was recently awarded $350,000 from the city’s Economic Development Loan Fund (EDLF), helping to make this expansion possible. Company executives say this funding, along with other city resources, and working with the newly formed economic development team kept them in the Capital City.

“We have been in our current location since 2001 and never met anyone from the city until this new department was formed,” says Natalie Kaddas, president and CEO of Kaddas Enterprises. “We have really enjoyed working with the city over the past year and a half. In fact, we did speak with other cities in planning our expansion, but resources and cost-savings unique to SLC like the EDLF and Foreign Trade Zone made our decision to stay an easy one.”

Most of the company’s products have a significant positive environmental impact, providing what Kaddas calls a “triple-win.” Here’s why:

• Utility companies are protecting assets. Twenty percent of power outages in the U.S. are caused by animals.
• Customers rely on their power supply and demand reliability.
• Finally, protecting environmental resources–-the animals.

The company also locally recycles 32 tons of scrap material locally each year.

“Kaddas Enterprises perfectly demonstrates the impact and importance of Salt Lake City’s small businesses,” says Lara Fritts, economic development director for the city. “This company not only contributes to our local economy by choosing to headquarter their business here, but its products are estimated to save hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue annually. I’m happy the owners’ experience doing business in the Capital City has been positive and look forward to seeing their continued growth in Salt Lake City.”

About Kaddas Enterprises Inc.®: Since 1966, Kaddas Enterprises has been a leader in thermoform plastic manufacturing. From its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kaddas utilizes high-quality materials and innovative design to develop products and solutions for a wide variety of industries, including medical, transportation, and utility. Kaddas provides full-service engineering from consultation and drafting through to prototype creation and final production, while maintaining its dedication to sustainable business practices. kaddas.com

About Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development: Formed in 2016, under the leadership of Mayor Jackie Biskupski, Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development is focused on building Salt Lake City as a vibrant, beautiful, prosperous, diverse, and authentic place – a place that is economically accessible to everyone. Known as the “Crossroads of the West,” Salt Lake City is strategically located for businesses to succeed. SLCDED works to streamline processes, provide excellent customer service, and offer an array of resources and services to recruit and retain businesses in the City, and ensure they have the tools to thrive.