For 25 years, GSI member partner Collins Aerospace has helped shape the manufacturing landscape of Spokane. Located in the former Goodrich location, they are now undergoing a $200 million expansion and are anticipating hiring an additional 80 new employees and adding 70,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
Collins Aerospace, part of RTX—the largest aerospace and defense company in the world—employs 230 people at its Spokane facility, where they produce high-performance carbon brakes for commercial and military aircraft. Over the years, Collins has built a strong presence in Spokane, offering a variety of jobs from entry-level to highly skilled.
Nichol Savko, General Manager of the Spokane plant, has been with Collins for about seven years. She loves Spokane’s unique blend of small-town charm and mid-size city amenities. As an engineer, she saw Collins as a great opportunity for growth and was impressed with the technical jobs available at the plant.
Nichol has seen the plant grow over the years and watched it stall during the Pandemic due to global travel slowing and the lower demand for aerospace products. During this time, Collins focused on refining its manufacturing systems, making them more efficient and sustainable. As the aerospace industry rebounded, the Spokane plant went from a slower pace to running at full capacity in less than a year. Nichol notes that the pandemic was a challenge, however, there is an advantage of being part of RTX’s diverse portfolio, which allowed the company to weather the storm more effectively than others.
“Our team has been exceptional—taking care of each other and our customers,” Nichol said. “It’s a culture this site has that I never want to see diminished.” That culture is now a critical part of Collins’ success, as the company prepares for growth.
Part of that growth success is due to the quality of their team. Having talented, skilled people is an essential ingredient for a thriving business.
Spokane has a strong manufacturing presence in the region, and manufacturing companies look for individuals who want to, or think they might want to work in the manufacturing industry. There are real career opportunities, but part of the solution to filling that workforce gap is creating awareness that these good manufacturing jobs exist in the Spokane region.
Collins Aerospace is actively involved in creating these opportunities and brings people in – including interested students in high school and higher education levels to train them how to work in this type of manufacturing environment.
Nichol is committed to the community and works alongside leaders like Wade Larson of Wagstaff and through the Production and Manufacturing Institute in Spokane, which exposes youth to careers in the trades and helps prepare them for the workforce.
Collins hosts students for hands-on experiences, trains them in advanced manufacturing techniques, and offers career opportunities that range from entry-level to highly skilled engineering positions. As part of its employee development efforts, Collins even helps pay for education while employees work, ensuring long-term career growth.
“We want students to know there is a breadth of manufacturing happening in Spokane,” Nichol explained. “We’re creating opportunities for people of all skill levels and helping them grow into lifelong careers.”
Investment in its employees will continue during the expansion. “We’re committed to this community, and I am excited to see where we go next,” Nichol said.