washington business
2022 winner : advanced nutrients / applied plant science , woodland
www . appliedplantscience . com
about : Advanced Nutrients / Applied Plant Science produces premium hydroponic and traditional fertilizer products and solutions for global and domestic use , including an expanding line of nutrient products . Founded in 1999 , the company ’ s products are researched , developed and manufactured in its Woodland facility , which employs about 120 local residents and veterans .
why they won : Advanced Nutrients / Applied Plant Science has invested heavily in upgrading its manufacturing processes and automation efficiencies . The focus of the investment has been on streamlining production automation , including computer programming and the installation of new hardware . This has resulted in improved efficiencies in resources and time management and increased production . Other innovative investments in 2021 include the installation of a clean-in-place system that automated the process of cleaning all mixers , buffer tanks and production equipment . This has reduced water and natural gas usage , which in turn has lowered emissions .
other finalists :
• Analog Devices Inc ., Camas : The Analog Devices Inc . ( ADI ) campus in Camas uses a complex silicon chip manufacturing process that emphasizes safety , quality , output and value for money while prioritizing collaboration and employee engagement .
• Altek Inc ., Liberty Lake : Altek Inc . takes an all-hands-ondeck approach to continuous improvement that incorporates feedback from all employees from senior management to entry-level staff members , focuses on process , and keeps the customer in mind .
manufacturing excellence award for innovation
The Manufacturing Excellence Award for Innovation Award recognizes a Washington state manufacturer that has maintained a competitive advantage by utilizing innovation while remaining responsive to market demands .
2022 winner : brinc drones inc ., seattle www . brincdrones . com
about : BRINC Drones Inc . has had a significant impact on public safety since its inception in 2017 . The company ’ s first product , a
“ Advanced Nutrients is taking the steps to create processes and procedures that will have the company on track for years of future success .”
— Advanced Nutrients / Applied Plant Science nomination materials
tactical drone with two-way communication and the ability to break glass to enter buildings , has been used in hostage situations and other crises .
why they won : BRINC has taken an innovative approach to manufacturing based on current and future production numbers . The company 3D-prints its production parts , which allows the team to be more agile and implement changes rapidly . Design efforts start by assessing the current supply chain and buying critical items before designing around them to ensure zero down time despite the ongoing global chip and component shortage . The engineering and manufacturing teams work literally feet away from each other so they can address quality , design and manufacturing issues in minutes or hours rather than weeks or months .
other finalists :
• Mount Adams Fruit , Bingen : Mount Adams Fruit ’ s new stateof-the-art facility incorporates a vision system that can identify internal and external defects , six robotic palletizers , an automated storage and retrieval system , and a warehouse control system that integrates with Salesforce .
36 association of washington business