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2026 marks 85 years of business for SugarHouse Industries in Midvale, Utah. The fabrication shop specializes in awnings and custom-made products in the marine, military and aerospace industries.
“Overall I just feel incredibly proud and grateful for the legacy my grandpa and father built for SugarHouse long before I stepped into this role,” says Mike Peterson, president of SugarHouse Industries. “This milestone is a reminder to me of the previous generations and the responsibility I feel to honor their legacy in a way that stays true to our roots and the core values of SugarHouse.”
A family legacy
Walter O. Peterson opened his shop in 1941. The business has taken on many shapes in the 85 years since; it was managed at one point by his two sons and now his grandchildren are active in its operations.
“I remember hearing how hard my grandpa worked to make the business successful,” says Mark Peterson, upholstery manager/product designer for SugarHouse Industries. Peterson is Mike’s cousin and has been active in Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) events, which included hosting a regional workshop in 2023. “And I saw that in my uncle too. Everything they did was for the betterment of the business.”
Throughout the generations, family members have worked in the shop in their youth, covering tasks such as sweeping floors and cleaning bathrooms. A strong work ethic, regardless of what the job is, was modeled by those who ran the business.
“I saw that example from my grandfather and uncle—that nothing was beneath them. They did what needed to be done,” Mark Peterson says. “That really shaped my outlook.”
About a decade ago, the family created its vision and its family rules, which is meant to guide the Petersons as they make decisions as a team.
“We use these to help us with our decisions as far as the company as it is and what we do day to day, and what we look for in the future,” says Mark Peterson.
SugarHouse today
Close to a century after its humble beginnings, SugarHouse now employs about 40–50 people depending on the time of year, roughly a dozen of which are Walter’s descendants.
“I recognize we’re only still here today because of our amazing customers and the loyal, talented employees who have carried SugarHouse through every decade,” says Mike Peterson.
While plans to celebrate 85 years aren’t set it stone, Mike Peterson says the annual employee and family picnic will likely be a little more spectacular than usual. The company also plans to tie in the 85-year achievement into its marketing efforts.
“We’ll definitely work to make a big deal out of the milestone next year for both our employees and customers,” says Mike Peterson.