A handcrafted wooden bison now stands as a permanent fixture inside the Great Falls Civic Center. This piece of art serves as a symbol of the growing partnership between the city and Janicki Industries.
The sculpture was carved from a single western red cedar log by Washington artist Mark Colp. Janicki Industries presented the piece to the city during a groundbreaking ceremony held in July. The company decided to gift the statue to the community to commemorate the start of their new manufacturing operations.
Janicki Industries is currently building a new aerospace manufacturing campus at AgriTech Park. This project represents an estimated $800 million investment in the region. Construction will occur in phases over the next decade and is expected to create over 2,000 new jobs for the area. Company leaders selected Great Falls after a careful evaluation of six different communities across Montana and Idaho.
Nick Lavacca, the community relations and outreach manager for Janicki, stated that the bison represents strength, unity, and opportunity. He noted that the company received a warm welcome from local residents, making the city a natural choice for their expansion. City officials agree that the partnership marks a significant milestone in local economic development. Deputy City Manager Jeremy Jones described the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will shape the future of the community.
The Civic Center currently displays the sculpture for residents and visitors to view. As the construction at AgriTech Park proceeds, the bison stands as a reminder of the industrial growth and future prospects coming to Great Falls. It represents a commitment to both local history and the upcoming economic expansion.