Wagstaff Inc. is scaling its nuclear manufacturing capacity with the launch of a new 18,000-square-foot shipping facility, a move designed to clear the way for high-tech fabrication projects at its Spokane Valley campus.

The new building is expected to become fully operational by July. The property will allow the company to relocate its shipping operations, facilitating additional manufacturing space to support growth for Wagstaff Applied Technologies, the company's specialized engineering and fabrication division serving the nuclear sector, says Wagstaff CEO Steve Anderson.

"The primary driver was really to create additional manufacturing space," Anderson says. "As our nuclear business has grown, we needed more room for production."

The project moved from planning to completion on an accelerated schedule and was delivered without significant construction delays, Anderson says. Spokane Valley permit information lists the project valuation at $4.5 million. The contractor for the project was Spokane-based Yost Gallagher Construction LLC.

While Anderson declines to disclose the Spokane Valley-based company's specific investment or projected revenue impact, he says the additional capacity is expected to positively influence Wagstaff's revenue stream by allowing the company to take on more work in growing markets.

"We're seeing continued growth opportunities in that area of the business," Anderson says.

Located at 3910 N. Flora Road, in Spokane Valley, the company has no immediate plans for additional campus growth beyond the new facility, he adds.

Wagstaff's diversification efforts have expanded beyond aluminum manufacturing. 

Through Wagstaff Applied Technologies, the company fabricates specialized equipment for nuclear energy and defense applications, he says. The division manufactures products ranging from nuclear material handling systems and glove boxes to specialized containers and transport systems used by government agencies, Anderson explains.The newly available manufacturing space will primarily support growth within those specialized markets.

Founded in 1946, the 80-year-old Spokane Valley manufacturer has grown from a regional equipment supplier into a global aluminum casting technology company, providing machinery, automation systems, and engineering services to aluminum producers worldwide. 

The company has provided equipment in 59 countries and employs between 400 and 500 people globally, Anderson says. Over 350 full-time workers are based at the Spokane Valley location, he adds. 

Wagstaff is known for manufacturing equipment used in the direct-chill casting process, which transforms molten aluminum into billets and ingots used in products ranging from beverage cans to automobiles to aerospace components, Anderson says. The company designs and manufactures its equipment in-house, a strategy Anderson says helps the company maintain quality standards while continuing to innovate.

A significant part of that innovation comes from the company's investment in research and development. Wagstaff operates a dedicated research cast house and testing facility where engineers develop new casting technologies and manufacturing processes. The company has introduced numerous advancements for aerospace-grade aluminum alloys and it continues to invest in product development to maintain its competitive position, he adds. 

Among Wagstaff's customers is Atlanta-based aluminum producer Novelis Inc., for which Wagstaff supplies casting technology used in the production of aluminum sheet products, including material utilized for Ford F-150 and Super Duty body panels, Anderson says.

Although Wagstaff ships large steel components and industrial equipment to customers around the world, the company remains committed to keeping its core manufacturing operations in Spokane Valley, he says.

"We design it here, engineer it here, and build it here," Anderson says. "Keeping manufacturing local helps us maintain quality control, supports our employees, and continues our long-standing commitment to this community."