Mt. Baker Vapor to Move Operations to Mesa

Mt. Baker Vapor June 10, 2015

Mt. Baker Vapor has officially announced their plans to relocate their operations from Bellingham, Wash., to Mesa, Ariz., after the introduction in the State of Washington of legislation seeking taxation on the sale of their products, ultimately impacting Mt. Baker Vapor’s operations.

Founded in March 2011, Mt. Baker Vapor has grown rapidly alongside the burgeoning vaping movement. It has the distinction of being one of the largest online e-liquid producers and retailers in the world, processing more than 2,000 orders per day to a customer base of more than 300,000. As the industry has grown, Mt. Baker Vapor has become a trusted name for vapers worldwide.

“Throughout the process of relocation, we have been impressed by the opportunities that the Mesa area provides for developing our company in a welcoming political climate,” said James Thompson, co-owner of Mt. Baker Vapor. “We look forward to becoming part of the business community in the Greater Phoenix area and contributing towards economic growth in the State of Arizona.”

Co-owners James Thompson and Jesse Webb were faced with the decision to relocate their company after the State of Washington introduced two bills that, if passed, would tax the sale of vaping equipment as well as ban online sales. The potential regulatory and monetary impacts of the legislation spurred Thompson and Webb to look outside the State of Washington to house their company.

“Mt. Baker Vapor’s desire to locate in Arizona reinforces our state’s reputation as the best place in the country to do business,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Arizona’s pro-business environment, connectivity to world markets and strong talent pool make it a preferred place for companies to scale their businesses in a global economy. We are pleased to welcome Mt. Baker Vapor and look forward to supporting their continued success.”

“We’re excited to welcome Mount Baker Vapor to the Falcon Field area and the city of Mesa,” said Bill Jabjiniak, director of economic development for the City of Mesa. “As an established industrial and manufacturing hub for the city, Falcon Field has always been an attractive location to start and grow a business. Mount Baker Vapor’s expansion and addition of 100 new jobs to the area is another testament to that fact.”

The co-owners look forward to growing their business in a more welcoming environment. “While we have enjoyed our time building this company in Washington, it has become clear to us through continued proposals by the legislature that our company and those it employs are not welcome in the state,” said Thompson.

“The decision from Mt. Baker Vapor to relocate to the city of Mesa speaks to our favorable regulatory environment,” said Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “We have worked hard as a state to make it easier for companies to do business in Arizona and to not get in the way of companies as they grow.”

“It was a pleasure working with Jesse, James, the entire Mount Baker Vapor team, and Matthew Mapes from Arizona Business Bank,” said Peter Batschelet of Lee & Associates, Arizona, who worked with Chris McLurg on the project. “The property located at 4049 E Presidio will suit MBV’s needs as they continue to expand their business platform. In addition to the quality of construction and design, the building came equipped with two clean room facilities, which will enable their manufacturing prerequisites to be met.”

The transition of Mt. Baker Vapor from Washington to Arizona should be completed by October 2015.

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