USDA Supports $5.85M Loan Guarantee to Advance Precision Manufacturing in Marion County Oregon

(Portland, Ore., September 3, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Oregon State Director Jim Carmack today announced the agency is awarding a $5,850,000 loan guarantee to NW Manufacturing Group to advance precision manufacturing in Oregon.

"USDA Rural Development is proud to support this investment in Oregon's precision manufacturing sector," said Carmack. "This project strengthens a key regional industry, protects local jobs, and creates new opportunities that will keep rural communities thriving for years to come."

This investment will support the acquisition and consolidation of Ulven Companies and Columbia Marine & Rail. The combined enterprise will operate as a specialty metals and precision manufacturing platform serving defense, aerospace, industrial, maritime and utility markets and operate out of Hubbard, Oregon, in Marion County. With this project, NW Manufacturing Group will save approximately 75 jobs and create new positions in this growing economic sector.

"Investments that reinforce the economic stability of rural Oregon are our top priority," said USDA Rural Development Oregon Business Programs Director Mandie Cole. "We expect this project to contribute to the local and regional economy and build in opportunities for growth."

This investment is made through USDA Rural Development's Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program , which helps rural businesses by increasing access to business capital and thereby improving the economic health of rural communities. USDA is working with FFB Bank to offer a loan guarantee for this project.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, and transportation infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov .

###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.