business backgrounder | manufacturing bottling. Fifty projects“ of all shapes and sizes” are currently in the pipeline, CarbonQuest CEO Shane Johnson said.
“ It’ s all about helping the environment and helping create a sustainable future for our communities by reducing the emissions where we work and go to school,” Johnson said.
sewing strength in seattle
Misty Mountain Mfg. is a custom cut-and-sew factory in Seattle’ s Georgetown neighborhood. It makes duffle bags for sports teams, firefighters and law enforcement under its Jensen Lee brand, plus customizable canvas totes for restaurants, bookstores and other businesses.
Emelie Crumbaker’ s mother-in-law purchased the company in 1984 and relocated it from Skykomish to Seattle. Crumbaker became owner and CEO in 2022, stepping in after the death of her husband. Now in its second generation( with enthusiastic young members of a possible third generation visiting frequently), the company remains a womanowned business with 22 employees.
“ I really like to see the end product and that we actually made this, especially some of the more complex things,” Crumbaker said, pointing to employees cutting and sewing fabric around her.“ They’ re so talented.”
wheelchair manufacturer makes an impact
TiLite, in Pasco, manufactures lightweight aluminum and titanium manual wheelchairs for customers all over the world. TiLite is part of Permobil, a global leader in advanced mobility solutions. At the Pasco facility, 127 employees design and build fully customizable chairs tailored to each user’ s needs, producing 60 to 80 chairs a day.
“ It’ s a very rewarding job,” said Terry Guy, a machinist and employee of 15 years.“ We try to make an impact on the world.”
At monthly town halls, users share how the new chairs have changed their lives.“ Some of the stories you hear, it will bring tears to your eyes,” Guy said.“ It’ s really special.”
“ It’ s a very rewarding job. We try to make an impact on the world.”
~ Terry Guy, a machinist and employee of 15 years at TiLitle / Permobil, which manufactures custom wheelchairs in Pasco
peas, carrots and corn
Twin City Foods has been in downtown Ellensburg since 1968, processing carrots, peas and corn from Washington farms into frozen products sold worldwide.
AWB visited during peak carrot harvest— a 17-day stretch in October when the plant handles up to 1 million pounds a day. After inspection, testing and packaging, produce is stored in a massive freezer that holds up to 45 million pounds. Peas are processed in June and corn from August through November. fall 2025 47