LAVERKIN — Vitalpax Inc. plans to create new jobs and invest in rural Southern Utah after receiving a post-performance tax credit in April.
The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity awarded Vitalpax Inc. with a temporary, marginal tax reduction as part of the Legislature’s Economic Development Tax Increment Finance program, according to a recent press release.
“Utah does not provide upfront cash for corporate retention and recruitment,” the release said. “Instead, the state offers a post-performance tax credit after the company meets specific obligations, including capital investment, new high-paying jobs, and additional state tax payments.”
Vitalpax may receive up to 30% of the additional state taxes it will pay, qualifying for a portion of the total tax credit each year it meets the criteria outlined in its 10-year agreement with the state, via the Rural Economic Development Tax Increment Finance tax credit, according to the press release.
Vitalpax’s CEO and founder Dalyon Ruesch said the tax credit will save the company funds that will be used to purchase production equipment, which will increase revenue. The company will put additional revenue toward adding new jobs.
Southern Utahns can expect Vitalpax to create up to 40 new, high-paying jobs over the next 10 years, per its agreement with the state, the release states. Among them are manufacturing, laboratory-based and warehouse jobs, Ruesch said. The company offers its employees health benefits, paid time off and a 401(K).
Vitalpax is also partnering with local universities to provide internship opportunities, he said.
Additionally, Vitalpax will invest $5 million in rural Utah through infrastructure enhancements, such as repurposing existing buildings. The company has a preliminary goal of building a 50,000-70,000 square-foot facility, which will allow Vitalpax to put on “the right dog and pony show for customers,” Ruesch said.
Vitalpax also plans to invest in Artificial Intelligence-driven automation, Ruesch said.
“We have equipment that is automated, but AI is going to be the way of the future when it comes to production facilities,” he said.
The potential expansion has at least one economic official excited.
“We’re excited to see Vitalpax continue to grow in La Verkin, Utah,” Dan Hemmert, the Office of Economic Opportunity’s executive director said in the press release. “The company’s dedication to its local community has been obvious throughout our discussions, and we wish Vitalpax continued success.”
About Vitalpax
Vitalpax was founded in 2014 and manufactures dietary supplements and personal care products that are sold to other businesses, Ruesch said. According to Vitalpax’s website, the company will print, package and ship products as part of their full-service contracts.
Vitalpax’s vision is advancing vitality and promoting health and wellness, Ruesch said. While looking for inspiration and guidance, Ruesch read his great-grandmother Mattie Woodbury Ruesch’s autobiography, part of which focused on her health concerns.
In a chapter titled, “My Quest for Health,” he said she wrote about vital fruits and vegetables, which helped him to create the company’s name: “vital” for his great-grandmother and “pax” for packaging.
A picture of his great-grandmother hangs in the lobby with her creed framed underneath.
“To serve. To grow. To seek beauty, goodness and truth everywhere,” the beginning of the creed reads.
Ruesch said the company is focused on the well-being of its colleagues, customers and community, adding that employees are referred to as colleagues as part of the corporate culture to promote a more equal environment.
Vitalpax is working with Talent Ready Utah’s Adopt-a-School program, through the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity to create a service-based partnership with La Verkin Elementary, Ruesch said, adding that while the partnership agreement is still in process, it’s an exciting way for the company to serve its community.
Ruesch said it’s easy to be biased about Southern Utah, considering the perks of living, recreating and owning a business in what is “arguably, America’s playground.”
“I couldn’t think of, you know, doing it any other way,” he said. “You know, there’s just so many opportunities. There are challenges – absolutely – but if it were easy, it may not be as exciting.”
Photo Gallery
The lobby inside Vitalpax Inc., La Verkin, Utah, April 28, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News Dalyon Ruesch at Vitalpax Inc., La Verkin, Utah, April 28, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News Packaging samples on show at Vitalpax Inc., La Verkin, Utah, April 28, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News Packaging samples on show at Vitalpax Inc., La Verkin, Utah, April 28, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News The Monobloc at Vitalpax Inc., which is used to fill oil infusion or herbal extract bottles. Vitalpax employees can be seen working in the background, La Verkin, Utah, April 28, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News The Monobloc at Vitalpax Inc., which is used to fill oil infusion or herbal extract bottles. Vitalpax employees can be seen working in the background, La Verkin, Utah, April 28, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News Dalyon Ruesch standing with a picture of his great-grandmother Matti Woodbury Ruesch, La Verkin, Utah, April 28, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News Vitalpax Inc., La Verkin, Utah, April 28, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News The sign at Vitalpax Inc., La Verkin, Utah, April 28, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News
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