A Bozeman manufacturing company announced Tuesday it will build a new facility and create 50 jobs, which economists estimate will allow the residents of approximately one local apartment to collectively afford their monthly rent.

“This is a huge win for the valley,” said company spokesperson Derek Mills, standing in front of a rendering of the new facility. “Fifty jobs. Fifty people who can now contribute one-fiftieth of what they need to live here.”

The jobs will pay between $18 and $24 an hour, which housing analysts say is “almost enough to qualify for a studio in Belgrade if you don’t eat and your car runs on optimism.”

Local resident Tanya Vickers, who currently works three jobs, expressed cautious excitement. “If I get one of these positions, I’ll only need two other jobs instead of three. That’s basically a vacation.”

The company expects to break ground in spring, with full operation beginning in 2027—by which point average rent is projected to be $4,200 for a one-bedroom and the 50 jobs will cover roughly half of a parking space.

City officials praised the development as “exactly the kind of economic growth Bozeman needs,” before climbing into a Tesla and driving to their home in Belgrade.