Gov. Gianforte, Montana Department of Labor & Industry Secure Permanent Home for Weights & Measures, Building Codes and Other Programs

HELENA, Mont. - Joining the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI), Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the opening of a new, permanent, state-owned facility in Helena to house the agency's Weights & Measures and Building Codes programs that ensure fair commerce and safe construction across Montana.

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Joining the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI), Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the opening of a new, permanent, state-owned facility in Helena to house the agency's Weights & Measures and Building Codes programs that ensure fair commerce and safe construction across Montana.

"As our economy grows stronger, the programs housed in this facility are on the front lines of making sure that growth happens safely and fairly," Gov. Gianforte said. "By giving these programs a permanent home, we're reducing long-term costs and avoiding future relocation expenses while supporting this important work."

Gov. Gianforte (center left) and DLI Commissioner Sarah Swanson (center right) cutting the ribbon on a new state-owned facility in Helena

The Weights & Measures program conducts tests and certifications ensuring fuel pumps, commercial scales, and other measuring devices are accurate, protecting both consumers and businesses. The Building Codes program oversees building and safety inspections under Montana's adopted codes, serving state agencies and local jurisdictions alike.

The opening of the new building gives the state programs a permanent location after years of operating in leased space and brings together multiple programs that were previously housed in various locations across Helena. DLI constructed the state-owned facility to eliminate the uncertainty of year-to-year lease renewals and rising rents while making it easier for businesses, contractors, and local governments to access inspections, permits, licenses, device certifications and technical support.

"By investing in a permanent, efficient facility, we're reducing long-term costs and giving our inspectors the tools they need to serve communities across the state," said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor and Industry. "This facility gives us a stable, long-term base of operations to support state and local partners for years to come."

Highlighting the role and growth of apprenticeship opportunities with the opening of the new facility, the governor announced seven new apprenticeship programs have been established through Building Codes and Weights & Measures programs. To date, more than 20 apprentices have already begun or completed the hands-on experience that builds Montana's pipeline of qualified Building Codes Inspectors and Weights and Measures Compliance Technicians.

"I also want to recognize the role our Building Codes Registered Apprenticeship programs played in this project," the governor added. "More than 20 apprentices trained right here on this building and learned their trade by doing the inspections that made this facility possible."

Through Gov. Gianforte's 406 JOBS initiative, DLI aligns education, workforce, and industry to ensure every Montanan has access to a direct-to-career pathways like Registered Apprenticeship, college, entrepreneurship, or military service. According to DLI, the occupations available through apprenticeship opportunities represent more than 65 percent of projected job openings over the next decade.

For more information about Montana's Building Codes and Weights & Measures programs, visit dli.mt.gov .

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