Cross-State Connections
The power of collaboration energizes manufacturing across Washington
A sign proudly displayed on the wall at TigerStop LLC, a family-owned company in Vancouver that makes precision measuring and cutting equipment, says“ Empowering Local Manufacturers to be Globally Competitive.” After visiting this high-tech company on the first day of the eighth-annual Manufacturing Week bus tour( see page 9), we hopped back on the bus and headed over to Yakima to Adventurer Manufacturing, another family firm. It builds campers and recreational equipment. As we toured their newest Lean manufacturing floor( page 10), what did we see but a big TigerStop machine at the center of their operations. This was a classic Manufacturing Week moment: Seeing a real-life example of how one Washington firm’ s technology and innovation helps another lead their industry – all while supporting their communities with great jobs.
Manufacturing matters in Washington, and the only thing better than a made-in-America product is one that is also made in Washington. As our state looks to double its manufacturing base by 2030, AWB continues to tell the unique stories of how manufacturing in Washington is alive and well. And yet, there are strong headwinds. Fortunately, as I said in our second-annual State of Manufacturing Address( page 13), held on the second day of the tour at Lampson International in Kennewick( page 14), there are smart, common-sense policy choices that our state leaders can make that will help Washington manufacturers stay competitive and grow.
Every stop on our tour was fascinating, inspiring and a powerful reminder: we make great things in Washington. The future is as bright as we decide to let it be.
Kris Johnson
Kris Johnson, President, AWB
To see video from each tour stop, scan the QR codes throughout the book.
© 2024 association of washington business. photography by brian mittge.
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