Touring Manufacturing Facilities Across Washington State
On Monday, October 9th, Impact Washington proudly wrapped up its collaborative bus tour with the Association of Washington Business (AWB), showcasing the dynamic manufacturing landscape across our state. The bus tour featured a total of 25 stops at manufacturing plants and training centers across Washington. Our team signed the bus to commemorate the 2024 tour.
Kelley Sowards signs the AWB Bus.
Throughout the tour, we engaged with industry leaders and gained valuable insights into the technology shaping manufacturing today. Each stop offered a unique perspective on challenges and triumphs faced by Washington's manufacturing sector.
Here are a few highlights from some of the facilities we were able to tour and their contribution to the manufacturing industry.
Day two of the tour, we visited Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, a globally recognized designer and manufacturer. Through their products and solutions, they are on a mission to make electric power economical, reliable, and safer. We toured their factory in Pullman, WA, which is their largest in the nation.
Impact Washington worked with Schweitzer Engineering Labs in the past through a Lean Office Training. This initiative helped streamline their processes and improve operational efficiency, further supporting their commitment to innovation and excellence in manufacturing practices.
Also on the second day, we had the opportunity to visit TigerStop's facility in Vancouver, WA. TigerStop is a U.S. manufacturer of products for several industries, including furniture, construction, metalworking, and more. We learned about how they are shaping the industry by empowering local manufacturers to stay competitive.
Impact Washington has proudly partnered with TigerStop since 2017 on their lean journey. In 2022, we worked with them on a 7-day event-driven Lean Product Development. We focused on innovation, problem-solving, and rapid product commercialization. This all started with our no-cost Business Evaluation, which we offer to all Washington State manufacturers.
This lean training reinforced TigerStop’s commitment to continuous improvement. We're glad we could also come along side them and their efforts for Manufacturing Month 2024!
TigerStop, LLC Vice President Nathaniel Dick shares insights on innovative manufacturing components during the facility tour.
On October 4th, day three of the tour, we visited Knife River Prestress in Newman Lake. They produce a variety of precast/prestressed concrete products and associated support services. As a national and regional award-winning leader in the precast/prestressed concrete industry, Knife River strives to support employees and their families, and the greater community of Washington.
Brick exterior placed by hand, at Knife River Prestress.
Monday, October 7th, we started our day touring Callisons, located in Lacey. You may not realize it, but you are likely a primary consumer of Callisons products. They manufacture the mint oil that is used in toothpaste and chewing gum throughout the U.S.
During the tour, we had the opportunity to see their production process firsthand, learning about the careful sourcing of ingredients and their methods to ensure quality results. Gaining insight into their operations reinforced the vital role Callisons plays in Washington's manufacturing sector.
Callisons team members have previously attended the FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food course hosted by Impact Washington in Lacey, WA, highlighting their commitment to food safety and quality production.
Inside Callisons' facility, where mint oil for toothpaste and chewing gum across the U.S. is produced.
On October 8th, we had the opportunity to tour the Lighthouse for the Blind facility, an organization Impact Washington has worked with closely. The Lighthouse for the Blind has provided employment and support to the visually impaired community since 1998.
Currently employing 300 individuals in Seattle and more than 450 nationwide, they manufacture aerospace parts, Skillcraft products, military canteens, hydration bladders, and other products.
We've worked with the Lighthouse for the Blind, providing consulting services on implementing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
We are proud to be a partner of this remarkable manufacturing agency for the visually impaired community.
In the same day, we also toured Ash Grove, the only integrated cement plant in Washington State. For 142 years, Ash Grove has supplied cementitious materials for the construction of highways, bridges, homes, and other structures.
Even more, it is the only cement plant in the United states to operate an autonomous quadruped robot, named Spot, which performs proactive maintenance. This innovative use of technology is the perfect example of how today's manufacturers are pushing the limits of efficiency through advanced technology.
Impact Washington team, Roger Peters, Nandhita Nandakumar, and Kelley Sowards, atop the tower at Ash Grove Cement, Washington's only integrated cement plant.
On October 9th, the final day of the tour, we toured the WATR Center at Edmonds Community College. Here, students learn the skills required for a high-wage, high-demand manufacturing job in just 12 weeks. The WATR center offers many educational programs designed to prepare students for high-paying jobs in a short period of time.
The Fuselage lab at Washington Aerospace Training & Research (WATR) Center, where students gain hands-on experience working on a real aircraft.
We also toured Everett Community College's Advanced Manufacturing Training and Education Center. This state-of-the-art training center uses modern manufacturing technologies to educate and train students. This hands-on, collaborative event featured several stations, including precision machining, welding and fabrication, engineering technology, and more.
Inside the Advanced Manufacturing Training and Education Center (AMTEC), where students develop hands-on skills for high-tech manufacturing careers.
For our final stop of AWB's Bus Tour, we visited Toolcraft's facility located in Monroe. Toolcraft provides CNC machining solutions in the medical, aerospace, general aviation and technology industries. Known as problem solvers for these industries, Toolcraft's machinery is intended to increase efficiency, precision, and consistency.
Impact Washington AEs Shawn Babauta and Dave Green at the Toolcraft facility.
Additional Partner Highlights from AWB's 2024 Bus Tour
These are just some of the many manufacturing facilities we were able to tour. Below are additional manufacturers from the tour that we have collaborated with:
- Adventurer Manufacturing: We collaborated with Adventurer Manufacturing to conduct a COVID-19 Prevention Return to Work Assessment, which identified risk areas.
- Lampson International: We conducted a business assessment for Lampson using an asset mapping tool designed for small-mid sized companies in rural areas of Washington.
- SAFE Boats International: We performed an ISO 9001 Gap Analysis and implementation, which allowed SAFE to retain several of their contracts.
- Harper Engineering Co.: We performed internal audits that included a written summary report.
- Wave Motion Launch Corporation: We introduced customized Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) applications and topics, conducting a roundtable discussion with SBIR experts and representatives from the Department of Navy (DON).
Manufacturing Month: Opportunities for Students, Educators, and Manufacturers
See Yourself in MFG!
Manufacturing Month is an important time for companies, organizations, students, and educators to share invaluable insights for the next generation of Washington manufacturers.
With several events, from panels and presentations, to facility tours and career fairs, students can take advantage of industry opportunities to learn more about the evolving manufacturing landscape in Washington State.
We hosted the Leadership Accelerator Forum on October 3rd with the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and NIMA. This event provided a valuable opportunity for local manufacturing leaders to convene with their peers and discuss key issues affecting their region’s manufacturing industry.
Manufacturing Month may be over, but there are many opportunities ahead for Washington Manufacturers!
View Upcoming Events Here.
Impact Washington Helps Manufacturers Excel in Every Facet of Business
Impact Washington can help you stay competitive by improving processes, obtaining necessary certifications, providing expert insights, and much more. Take the first step to making your manufacturing company more competitive by filling out our no-cost Business Evaluation form.
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