News

Manufacturing Day 2016: A key industry in Spokane

manufacturing-resizedFriday, Oct. 7, 2016, marks the fifth annual Manufacturing Day celebration, recognizing the achievements and the important role of our nation’s manufacturing industry. Here in the Spokane region, more than 600 manufacturing businesses employ a workforce of 15,000, accounting for over 7% of our region’s economy.

Across the nation, more than 2,500 events highlight the careers available for students, and the skills that form the foundation of our country’s diverse manufacturing capabilities. In our region, Greater Spokane Incorporated sponsored the Manufacturing Matters Expo Sept. 27. Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce organized the event, which highlighted many of our region’s 600 manufacturing businesses. GSI advocates for business-friendly regulation, incentives, addressing the labor skills gap, and assists companies with recruitment, expansion and retention of their Spokane-based workforce.

The Spokane region provides several advantages for manufacturing companies seeking to relocate to the area, including low utility costs and close proximity to both air and rail service. The region also has an educated and available labor pool supported by engineering programs offered by local public and private universities.

GSI members in the manufacturing industry include Accra-Fab in Liberty Lake, which announced a facility expansion in June of this year. The precision fabrication and contract manufacturing company currently employs more than 160 and anticipates growth exceeding 10% at their location in the Spokane region. Accra-Fab has a $53 million annual economic impact to the Spokane region.

Novation is another advanced manufacturing company in the Spokane region, with a 35,000-square-foot facility that provides surface finishing from small prototype runs to high volume production.

Share

Leave a Comment

Related Articles

October 31, 2024

On October 22nd, more than 100 gathered at Globe Bar & Kitchen for our final Peer Networking event of 2024. Thanks to GSI member partner...

October 29, 2024

What All Small Businesses Need to Prioritize By Heather Stratford, National Cybersecurity and AI Thought Leader, Inland Northwest Cyber Hub/Inch360 The cybersecurity landscape is evolving...

October 29, 2024

Poll Reveals Critical Issues to Guide Community-Supported Solutions At Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI), we’re committed to helping our region grow and thrive by making sure...
Posted in: Public Policy
Scroll to Top