Montana counties are increasingly seeing new oil equipment companies lay down roots as they seek to supply projects, including those in the Alberta tar sands north of the Canadian border.
    
Reports say economic development officials are recruiting businesses that supply energy-producing operations, not just the energy producers themselves.
    
For instance, Quebec-based ADF Group announced plans for a 100,000-square-foot facility near Great Falls.
    
It aims to make oil-production modules and target customers in the Alberta oil sands.
    
Brett Doney, president of the Great Falls Development Authority, says his region's proximity to the massive Canadian development gives it a competitive advantage over other areas.
    
Central Canada's workforce is limited, he said, and there are potential tax advantages to companies basing their operations in the United States.