Manufacturing

Spokane's proposed aerospace center named 'tech hub'

Consortium led by Gonzaga, Lakeside Cos. to compete for up to $70M in federal funds

October 23, 2023

A proposed advanced aerospace manufacturing center in Spokane has received a federal designation as a 'regional technology and innovation hub,â€ enabling advocates to pursue up to $70 million in federal funding for the project.

Maryland company acquires Tombari Structural Products

October 12, 2023

Erica Bullock

Spokane-based Tombari Structural Products Inc. has been acquired by Elkridge, Maryland-based O'Donnell Metal Deck LLC in a transaction that will increase the market footprint for the East Coast decking supplier, says former Tombari Structural Products

Hot Rod Company to expand to $3M Valley facility

Custom engine builder to have new showroom, full-service machine shop

October 12, 2023

Karina Elias

The West Coast Performance Co., a Spokane Valley-based builder of custom high-performance engines, has been growing in revenue by 40% annually for the past five years, says JR and Katie Roby, the company's co-founders and owners.

Key Tronic Corp. reports record annual income

Manufacturer here benefits from work leaving China

September 28, 2023

Karina Elias

Spokane Valley-based electronic manufacturing services company Key Tronic Corp. has reported record annual revenue for fiscal year 2023, with sales totaling $588.1 million, an 11% increase compared with year- earlier revenue.

Gizmo makerspace tries to make ends meet

Organization faces acute funding, site challenges

September 28, 2023

Mike McLean

Gizmo-CdA Inc., the nonprofit makerspace located in Coeur d'Alene, is facing its biggest challenges to date.

Hecla to shut down Lucky Friday for rest of year

Move to enable mining company to make modifications following fire

September 18, 2023

Staff Report

Hecla Mining Co. expects to suspend production at its Lucky Friday Mine for the rest of the year as it makes modifications following a mine-shaft fire.

GarageSkins expands to meet demand

Post Falls company is gearing up to produce 10 times more product

September 14, 2023

Karina Elias

GarageSkins Inc., a Post Falls company that produces panels to make steel garage doors look like they're made of high-end wood, is in the process of purchasing machinery that will multiply its production capacity, says GarageSkins founder Rick Medlen.

Lakeside Cos. (top) ALSC Architects PS (Bottom)

Tech Hub Hopes: Two Spokane groups compete on national scale for federal funds

Gonzaga consortium looks to bolster aerospace manufacturing; WSU group pitches biotech

September 14, 2023

Dylan Harris

Two Spokane-area consortia are competing against more than 370 other groups nationwide to land federal funding for regional Tech Hubs. Ultimately, upward of $75 million could be at stake, and the first round of decisions is expected this fall.

Precast concrete company sells Valley operations

Rail tie manufacturing facility will remain here under new ownership

August 31, 2023

Dylan Harris

CXT Inc. has sold its Spokane Valley-based rail tie operations to voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak LLC, a subsidiary of Austria-based voestalpine Group, according to press releases from the two parent companies. CXT, a subsidiary of Pittsburgh-based

Tractor Beverage tracks sustainability as it grows

Idaho soft drink company sees growth while limiting impact on environment

August 31, 2023

Karina Elias

Hayden-based organic soft drink maker Tractor Beverage Inc. says it's on track this year to avoid the use of 34.5 tons of synthetic pesticides in its food system, compared with conventional production practices. Kevin Sherman, CEO of Tractor Beverage