A septic tank manufacturing company and custom home builder could soon bring 30 to 40 jobs to unincorporated Pinal County. The Pinal County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Sunset Companies industrial development on January 15, 2026. The project would allow Sunset Companies and San Tan Construction to operate on approximately 18.12 acres north of the Town of Florence in unincorporated Pinal County.
Two Local Businesses Set to Operate on Site
Sunset Companies manufactures and services septic tanks. The operation requires a large outdoor area for concrete casting and curing. San Tan Construction builds custom homes throughout Pinal County. Both companies plan to base their operations at the new facility.
The businesses expect 15 to 20 workers on-site daily. Another 15 to 20 employees would work in the field serving the community.
Traffic studies estimate the facility would generate 145 daily vehicle trips. Peak morning traffic would add 29 trips, while evening rush hour would see 32 trips.
Site Surrounded by Mine and Railway
The 18.12-acre property sits at the southeast corner of Heritage Road and Attaway Road. It lies north of the Town of Florence and southwest of the Copper Basin Railway / Southern Pacific Railroad corridor.
Jason Sanks, the applicant’s representative, explained the site’s unique isolation during the hearing. “We’re completely enveloped by both the mine and the railway,” Sanks told commissioners. “The mine wraps us to the west and the south, and the railroad is a diagonal that creates the northern and eastern boundary.”
Additionally, Sanks noted the railroad’s elevated tracks offer screening benefits. “Because the railroad tracks are elevated up on a berm, it provides natural screening,” he said.
The Vulcan Mine operates an aggregate facility on adjacent land. Staff noted the property is less suited for the mixed-use master plan originally approved for the area.
Fencing and Buffers
Under the proposed conditions, the applicant would install a six to eight-foot chain-link fence. However, if residential development occurs nearby, the county would require a solid wall meeting code standards at that time.
The north boundary along Heritage Road would have a 50-foot industrial buffer with landscaping.
No members of the public spoke for or against the project. The commission received no written opposition letters.
Board of Supervisors Will Make Final Decision
The Planning and Zoning Commission’s vote is a recommendation only. The Pinal County Board of Supervisors will make the final decision.
