HELENA, Mont. — Gov. Greg Gianforte traveled across western Montana this week, visiting agricultural producers and manufacturers, opening a new manufacturing facility in Kalispell and recognizing a dozen veterans for their military and community service.
The stops were part of Gianforte’s ongoing 56 County Tour, an annual swing through Montana aimed at highlighting local businesses, workers and community organizations.
“The 56 County Tour gives me the opportunity to meet with Montanans in every corner of the state,” Gianforte said. “Whether it’s the folks who raise the food we eat or the innovators who create products that Montanans use at home, these visits remind me that Montana’s greatest strength is our hardworking people.”
In Ravalli County, Gianforte toured GrainMaker Mills in Stevensville, a family-owned manufacturer that has produced grain mills since 1999.
Founded by Randy and Bonnie Jones, the company employs five people and manufactures about 1,000 mills annually. Its products are sold online, through the company’s mercantile and at trade shows.
The governor’s focus on Montana manufacturing continued in Flathead County, where he joined Ex-Guard executives and state officials to cut the ribbon on the company’s new Kalispell facility.
Ex-Guard, founded in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2009, manufactures grille guards for semi-trucks, pickups and other vehicles. The Kalispell operation will serve as the company’s western manufacturing and distribution hub.
“Montana is open for business, and we are thrilled to welcome Ex-Guard to Big Sky Country,” Gianforte said.
The company purchased property in the Glacier Industrial Rail Park last year and completed construction earlier this year. The facility currently employs five people and is expected to reduce shipping times to customers throughout the West.
Montana Department of Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio and Ex-Guard General Manager Ryan Holt joined Gianforte for the opening.
Gianforte also traveled to Lake County with Montana Department of Agriculture Director Jillien Streit to visit Cathey Cattle Company and G&G Livestock.
The operations received the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Region 5 Environmental Stewardship Award in 2025 after being nominated by the Montana Stockgrowers Association for their grazing practices.
Streit said the operations demonstrate how Montana’s agricultural businesses are combining traditional ranching with new technology and diversified business models.
“One of my favorite parts about visiting operations around the state is seeing multiple generations working together successfully and profitably,” Streit said.
The governor’s western Montana trip also included ceremonies honoring 12 recipients of the 2025 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation.
The program recognizes veterans who served honorably in the military and continued serving their communities after leaving the armed forces. More than 170 Montana veterans have received the commendation since 2021.
In Libby, Gianforte honored Marine Corps veteran and fifth-generation Montanan Hugh Taylor for decades of community service that included work as a volunteer firefighter, Libby City Council member and mayor.
Seven veterans were recognized in Hamilton: Navy veteran Patrick Clover, World War II Army Nurse Corps veteran Jeanne White Doyle, Army and Montana Army National Guard veteran Gregory Marose Sr., Navy veteran Paul Rosenberg, Marine Corps veteran Sean Smothers, Army veteran Allen Sperry and Army veteran Deborah “Deb” Strickland.
Gianforte concluded the veteran ceremonies in Missoula County, recognizing Army veteran Christopher Lowe, Navy veteran Rebecca Stancil and retired Army Col. Leonard “Gary” Swartz.
“These veterans remind us that service is a lifelong commitment,” Gianforte said. “Whether caring for fellow veterans, protecting their communities, mentoring young people, or preserving the freedoms we cherish, each recipient has made Montana a better place.”
Each recipient received a Montana flag that had been flown over the state Capitol and a letter from the governor recognizing the veteran’s military and community service.