Manufacturing
The 2017 Washington Manufacturing Awards: Building Products
Gold: Canyon Creek Cabinet Company, Monroe; Silver: EZ-Acess, Algona
By Bill Virgin May 1, 2017
This article originally appeared in the May 2017 issue of Seattle magazine.
Gold: Canyon Creek Cabinet Company, Monroe; Silver: EZ-Access, Algona
GOLD AWARD
Canyon Creek Cabinet Company, Monroe
Canyon Creek has invested millions in expanded manufacturing and showroom space and replacing aging machinery, all with an eye toward boosting production capacity and quality while accommodating growth. Another tool for improving quality and reducing waste: a virtual system for training workers how to paint cabinet doors (with color signals for too thick or thin). Canyon Creek also has to keep its eye on trends in what is a fashion business; it has introduced simpler cabinet facing and a new collection of paint colors. The moves are showing results in cost savings and growth. Canyon Creek is now at more than 400 employees and $60 million in annual revenue.
SILVER AWARD
EZ-Access, Algona
Even a single step can render a home inaccessible. EZ-Access, founded in 1984 and still a family-owned business, manufactures the ramps, lifts and other accessories to make homes, businesses and vehicles easier for the disabled to enter or navigate. It’s now a supplier to the Department of Veterans Affairs and has been applying its expertise to commercial and industrial markets. The goal for the 75-employee business, which has factories in Washington state and Kentucky: to be North America’s leader in access systems.