Central States Manufacturing names Jered Chandler first plant manager of Westernmost plant

Leadership role is at the organization’s state-of-the-art Utah facility set to open in 2025.

Central States, a leader in metal building components, roofing and building systems, has named Jered Chandler to the role of first Plant Manager for the company’s new Tooele, Utah manufacturing plant. Jered will lead the company’s newest factory from inception as the 100% employee-owned company continues to reinforce exceptional service to its customers and provide new employee owners with financial freedom. The state-of-the-art manufacturing plant will also be the only metal company in the West with direct rail access to East coast steel mills for high-quality, made-in-the-US steel.

“Taking on the role of plant manager for Central States’ newest and westernmost plant in Tooele, Utah is an incredible honor,” Jered said. “I am passionate about our company’s purpose and committed to ensuring that it thrives by fostering a work environment that prioritizes well-being and offers financial freedom; we aim to empower our new employee-owners, helping them achieve their goals and secure their futures.”

Jered has been an employee-owner since 2008 in multiple leadership roles bringing extensive knowledge of Central States’ products, company culture, mission and vision. He steps into this new position after successfully leading the company’s largest manufacturing plant in Lowell, Arkansas for the last eight years. "Jered Chandler’s leadership at the Tooele, Utah plant is vital for Central States and our expansion West,” Central States Manufacturing President Tim Ruger said. “His experience, dedication and innovative vision promise to make this new facility successful for our customers and employee-owners. We are incredibly grateful for Jered’s commitment and excited to see the positive impact he will bring to his new team and community.” 

Central States’ new plant in Utah will use rail for steel coil transportation, providing access to East Coast metal in the Beehive state and beyond serving a wide range of customers throughout the West, including Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and Arizona. The company plans to invest over $25 million in the facility over the next five years, making a significant investment in the local community, becoming one of the area’s top employers with plans to add over 90 new employee owners.

About Central States Manufacturing

Central States, Inc. is 100% employee-owned and was founded in 1988. With over 1,400 employee-owners and 11 manufacturing facilities in 2024, the company serves over 6,000 commercial, architectural, post frame and residential contractors and customers across the United States across three business operating units. Central States Manufacturing is a leading manufacturer of metal building components with 14 metal roofing and wall panel profiles, along with a full line of trim, accessories and structural purlin. Two new factories are under construction, including a frame plant for pre-engineered metal buildings. Central States Building Works provides material-only building packages for self-storage and metal building systems. In 2023, Central States acquired Elevate Structures (formerly Storage Structures, Inc.), a leader in self-storage offering the patent-pending Alpha Framing System. For more, visit www.centralstatesco.com.