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Costumed panda uses flamethrower in ‘ribbon torching’ ceremony

Posted at 9:09 PM, May 03, 2013
and last updated 2013-05-04 00:38:18-04

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah - A tech company held its ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, complete with panda and flamethrower.

Instructure moved into its new office at 6330 South and 3000 East in Cottonwood Heights on Friday afternoon.

Instead of a ribbon cutting at the ceremony, they had a "ribbon torching." A man dressed as a panda, torched the ribbon with a World War II-era flamethrower.

The company recently signed an agreement with the state to bring more than 650 high-paying jobs to Utah over the next seven years, totaling $235 million in new wages and compensation.

"I think the tech sector in Utah is growing still and there's a lot of potential here. It's exciting to be able to be a part of that and help draw talent into the state. And also help people to understand that this is a hub for technology and will be going forward," said Brian Whitmer, company co-founder.

Instructure is an educational software developer behind Canvas, which is used by hundreds of colleges and K-12 school districts.