Manufacturing
The 2016 Washington Manufacturing Awards: Emerging Manufacturer
Large Firms winner: Composite Solutions; Small Firms winner: ID Integration
Emerging Manufacturer Small Firms ID Integration Mukilteo idintegration.com Theres a lot of stuff in the world to keep track of. The latest technology for figuring out whats where is radio-frequency identification (RFID), and its a growing business for ID Integration, which not only offers the equipment but helps businesses and the military put it together…
The 2016 Washington Manufacturing Awards: Nonprofit
Winner: Provail
Manufacturing Nonprofit of the Year Provail Seattle provail.org Provail began in 1942 to provide services to people with cerebral palsy and adopted its current name in 1999 to reflect service to a wider range of clients and a more entrepreneurial approach. Provails fabrication division has more than 60 employees, who operate waterjets, CNC cutting machines…
The 2016 Washington Manufacturing Awards
Manufacturers are well versed in dealing with forces and trends far beyond their control or ability to influence, but in 2016, that talent is being tested to a degree not seen in years. Between weak economies both at home and in major export markets and issues like health care costs and workforce availability, there is…
The Aging North Pacific Fishing Fleet Has Spawned a Shipbuilding Boom
Recent changes in the regulation of the Bering Sea fishing fleet that allow for safer, more advanced vessels designed for specific fisheries have brought a surge in shipbuilding not seen in a generation. Portland-based Vigor Industrial recently completed a 136-foot longliner. Dakota Creek Industries of Anacortes has two vessels under construction, including a 262-foot factory…
Boeing names new CEO
Boeing today announced that its board of directors had elected Dennis A. Muilenburg the company’s 10th CEO, succeeding Jim McNerney Jr., who held the position for the past 10 years. Muilenburg has been Boeing’s president and COO since 2013. He becomes president and CEO on July 1. More details from Boeing’s news release here.
The 2015 Washington Manufacturing Awards: Manufacturing Services
WINNER Morley Machine Tool Alignment Milton You cant just plunk down a multimillion-dollar machine on the shop floor and expect it to produce parts meeting the tight tolerances demanded by industries like aerospace and medical devices. Those machines have to be properly set up, maintained and adjusted. Thats the job of Morley Machine Tool Alignment,…
The 2015 Washington Manufacturing Awards: Manufacturing Executive of the Year, Large Firms
WINNER Tuanhai Hoang, president, Qualitel Corporation Everett Contract electronics manufacturing is a tough business to be in, especially for a domestic producer. But under Tuanhai Hoangs leadership, Qualitel has managed to do a lot more than endure during the past 20 years of making circuit boards and complex box assemblies for aerospace, medical, industrial and…
The 2015 Washington Manufacturing Awards: Manufacturing Executive of the Year, Midsize Firms
WINNER Lisa Chissus, owner and president, CFM Consolidated Fife CFM Consolidated is literally Lisa Chissus grandfathers company, but its come a long way from 1962, when Eddy Davis launched the business as Flex-a-Lite, featuring a design for an automotive fan with lightweight, drag-reducing fiberglass blades. Flex-a-Lite is still around, with an array of cooling products,…
The 2015 Washington Manufacturing Awards: Manufacturing Innovator of the Year, Large Firms
WINNER Aseptico Woodinville Most people have never heard of Aseptico, even though theyve been in close proximity with the companys products. The family-owned business, marking its 40th anniversary this year, is the only domestic manufacturer of electric motors for restorative, implant and endodontic dentistry. It sells that equipment under its own brand name and as…
The 2015 Washington Manufacturing Awards: Manufacturing Innovator of the Year, Small Firms
WINNER Breedt Production Tooling and Design Kent To call Breedt a contract manufacturer or supplier would be to sell the company far short on its record of coming up with new designs and products that solve problems for its customers. The latest example is the Breedt Marine Bumper System, which replaces conventional designs that used…
The 2015 Washington Manufacturing Awards: Food/Beverage Processor of the Year, Small Firms
WINNER Seattle Chocolates Seattle Lots of companies make and sell chocolate confections, especially in Seattle, where people are mad for the stuff. How do you stand out in a crowded market like that? For Seattle Chocolates, one not-so-secret ingredient is charitable activity combined with social media. The purchase price of every bar includes a food-bank…
The 2015 Washington Manufacturing Awards: Food/Beverage Processor of the Year, Midsize Firms
WINNER Talking Rain Beverage Co. Preston The 25-year-old company helped create the flavored carbonated water category in the United States, and now its going after international markets with its hugely successful Sparkling Ice line, which has been expanded to include lemonade and teas. Retail sales have risen from $10 million in 2010 to $350 million…
The 2015 Washington Manufacturing Awards: Food/Beverage Processor of the Year, Large Firms
WINNER Tree Top Selah Whatever you can squeeze or slice from an apple, Tree Top is already doing it, producing not just familiar products like juice and applesauce but also a variety of food ingredients for other manufacturers. The grower-owned cooperative reached $400 million in sales through new products and facilities, including a strawberry processing…