Steel Jupiter, a specialty coating manufacturer, will locate manufacturing, research and development operations in Sahuarita, Arizona. The project is expected to create 15 jobs.

The leased 13,000-square-foot facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2022, according to the Arizona Commerce Authority.

“Steel Jupiter’s mission is to help make indoor air as free from viruses as possible,” said Carlos Tellez, Chairman and President of Steel Jupiter. “Our product, developed by leading scientists, has the promise to significantly improve the effectiveness of HVAC filters and masks in filtering viruses from the air we breathe. We evaluated other locations and we are thankful to have found the Sahuarita Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Center (SAMTEC). Sahuarita is a great community, and the facility and location are perfect for us. We are thrilled to call Sahuarita our home base for our continued growth and innovation long into the future.”

Steel Jupiter’s innovative proprietary coating traps 99.99% of airborne viruses, including COVID-19, providing the highest level of protection on a wide variety of material. Utilizing FXI technology, the company is enhancing the performance of masks, respirators, and air filtration, providing the marketplace with a highly efficient, cost-effective, easy-to-use, and safe solution to protect public health.

“Steel Jupiter’s innovative manufacturing and research facility is a valued addition to Southern Arizona,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). “We are grateful Steel Jupiter is establishing its manufacturing facility in Sahuarita, bringing quality jobs while furthering Arizona’s reputation as a national innovation and manufacturing leader.”

“The establishment of this new facility will have an economic impact of $27 million over the next five years,” said Joe Snell, President and CEO, Sun Corridor Inc., the region’s economic development group. “The ripple effect of these high-paying jobs advancing Steel Jupiter’s technology will be felt across Southern Arizona.”