"Basically, it was my understanding that because the world markets had changed, they felt that this was a better location for them to be," Nelson said. "They already had a drill manufacturing facility here and felt that this was a better place for them to be, for the tar sands and exploration business they're in.

"We think it's great to have international companies like Boart Longyear locating to Utah. It helps us attract other companies and other good, high-paying jobs."

Boart Longyear employs 7,000 people worldwide and operates in more than 30 countries. Its focus is four-fold: drilling services (mining and non-mining); exploration drilling tools and equipment; rock drills and other rock-drilling tools; and geo-environmental instrumentation, tools and equipment.

Advent International, a global buyout firm, is the majority owner of Boart Longyear. Advent bought Boart in July 2005 from Anglo American. Bain Company is Advent's investment partner.

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E-mail: jnii@desnews.com