The 2015 Washington Manufacturing Awards: Manufacturer of the Year, Midsize Firms

WINNER

Omax Corporation

Kent

Thanks to a technology developed by Omax founders John Cheung and John Olsen, a needle-thin, ultra-high-pressure jet of water with tiny abrasive particles mixed in cuts through metal, stone, glass, concrete, ceramics and composites quickly and accurately.

Its quite a legacy, one that the company hasnt been resting on. In the depths of the recession, Omax launched a line of lower-priced machines designed to introduce new markets and customers to waterjet cutting. Sales have grown 20 percent since 2011, to more than $90 million annually, and Omax systems now operate in 80 countries.

Omax plans to increase its equipment asset base by 25 percent in 2015 as it updates existing product lines and introduces new machines. Its physical plant, which has grown by more than 50 percent in recent years, is due for more expansion this year.

SILVER AWARD

Lucks Food Decorating Co.

Tacoma

Those elaborate, elegant and edible decorations that grace whatever-youre-celebrating cakes likely came from Lucks, a fourth-generation, family-owned company that can put just about anything imaginable on a cake. Need a Disney princess or a SpongeBob or a U.S. Army logo or a waving flag? Lucks makes those and plenty more. Lucks products go to retail, wholesale, supermarket and specialty bakeries, and to food service operations. Its pursuing sales in Pacific Rim countries and investing millions in new equipment to make high-quality gel, paste and airbrush colors and to develop new product categories.