THE AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT FOCUSES ON DEVELOPING COMPONENTS FOR COMMERCIAL AND DEFENSE AEROSPACE. However, there are many essential facets of a manufacturing facility that are necessary, but often unseen. The flooring, tank liners, parking structures, and physical facility repairs are some of those items— vital, but not always considered.
Leewens Corporation of Kirkland, Washington, is a 50-yearold company that expertly considers these factors. When an electrostatic dissipative( ESD) floor is needed, Leewens is often the contractor called. They have expertise in coatings and the ability to provide high-quality floor coating services— often laboring during evenings or weekends, when businesses are closed. How does one get started with a business like coating and protective surface installation in an industry focused on producing aircraft parts?
Leewens was started 50 years ago by the father of Patrick Leewens, who sold coatings and linings, and then started installing them. Patrick joined the family business at age 15; his mother worked with the company until age 92 and is still an owner. Now, Jensen Leewens, Patrick’ s son, is advancing into company leadership as well. Patrick’ s daughter, Renée, has also worked in the office. As a true family-owned and operated business, they are bonded by history and by their service to customers. The company logo features a lion, a nod to Patrick’ s mother ' s maiden name, Lyons, and Patrick shared that Leewens means " lions " in Dutch.
Like any good business with longevity, the company has evolved and diversified over the years. They provide installation services for a variety of industries, including aerospace, space, and defense manufacturing; data centers; clean rooms; food processing facilities; printed circuit board manufacturers; stadiums; parks; garages; and hospitals. Patrick said about 30 % of their business is aerospace and defense-related.
He said,“ We keep their floors in good shape. The aerospace industry uses chemicals and air bearings; to do this type of work, a smooth, level floor is needed. Even with brand-new concrete, it must be more level, smoother, and more durable.” He explained that aerospace manufacturing facilities using autoclaves and special tanks, plus steel wheels on the floor, must have floors that both fight static and the ability to support steel wheels and meet clean room requirements.
32 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS