The Producers: 2013 Washington Manufacturing Awards | Overview

If theres one thing weve learned in the four years of the Washington Manufacturing Awards, its how critical innovationbe it in product and technology development, operational efficiency or managementis to the success of a manufacturer. If theres another thing weve learned, its that innovation is not an isolated occurrence, or it had better not be if a company plans to sustain that success.

The pages of business history are strewn with the names of companies that achieved fleeting fame and fortune that didnt last because they couldnt come up with the second idea, the additional improvement, the next generation of innovation.

Companies were honoring this year are not overnight successes. Even if theyre comparatively young, the firms on this years honor roll have had years of hard work, research, trial and error, and more hard work to turn those ideas into real businesses and products.

Several of the honorees have been recognized before. Theyre back not for what earned them a Washington Manufacturing Award the first time but because they continued to innovate and improve. Were betting that many award winners on this years list have that same culture and will be around for years to come.

Accolades for what youve done in the past are fine, but the pressing question in business is what have you done for us lately? To find out what the best Washington manufacturers have been doing lately, read on.

2013 Washington Manufacturing Award Winners

Special Recognition: Workforce Development
Mark Haller, Tri-Tec Manufacturing | Kent

Nonprofit Manufacturer of the Year
Winner: Norhtwest Center | Seattle

Emerging Manufacturer of the Year
Midsize Firms
Winner: Perfect Blend | Bellevue

Small Firms
Winner: Laser Technologies Company | Redmond
Silver Award: OutBack Power Technologies | Arlington

Manufacturing Innovator of the Year
Large Firms
Winner: RPI | Tukwila

Midsize Firms
Winner: B.E. Meyers | Redmond

Small Firms
Winner: 3 Phase Energy Systems | Auburn

Food Processor of the Year
Winner: Cucina Fresca Gourmet Foods | Seattle
Silver Award: Chukar Cherries | Prosser

Manufacturer of the Year
Large Firms
Winner: Alliance Packaging | Renton
Silver Award: McKinstry | Seattle

Midsize Firms
Winner: Colmac Coil Manufacturing | Colville

Silver Award: Mervin Manufacturing | Seattle
Silver Award: Canyon Creek Cabinet Company | Monroe

Small Firms
Winner: Ozone International | Bainbridge Island
Silver Award: All American Marine | Bellingham

Manufacturing Executive of the Year
Large Firms
Winner:Don & Brad Root, GM Nameplate | Seattle

Midsize Firms
Winner: Greg Herlin, Cashmere Molding Inc. | Woodinville

Small Firms
Winner: Stephen & Mark Morel, Morel Industries | Seattle

2013 Washington Manufacturing Awards Judging Panel
LINDA ADAMS, director of marketing | Impact Washington
RON BENOIT, partner | Moss Adams
LOREN LYON, CEO | Magic Wheels Inc.
THOMAS MCLAUGHLIN, executive director | Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS)
RONALD RAUCH, shareholder | Clark Nuber
RICHARD LEE STORCH, chair of the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering | University of Washington
BILL VIRGIN, editor and publisher | Washington Manufacturing Alert
GARY WHITE, director of business retention and expansion | Tri-City Development Council