Manufacturing

Key Tronic ramps up as customers leave China

Contract manufacturer hires 500 in Mexico, projects higher sales

February 16, 2023

Key Tronic Corp. is on the receiving end of a tenfold increase in contract-bidding opportunities as many companies-prompted by production delays, rising costs, and tensions with China-are pulling business out of that country and bringing it back to

23 People of Influence in 2023

Journal recognizes Inland Northwest professionals making a profound impact

February 2, 2023

Staff Report

American Manufacturing Solutions moves operations to Spokane Valley

New space to save costs, energy, allow room for expansion

February 2, 2023

Erica Bullock

American Manufacturing Solutions LLC, of Spokane, has leased 50,000 square feet of industrial space in a multitenant building in Spokane Valley, where the company plans to move from smaller quarters in Spokane, says Luke Ankenman, partner and general

What's Happening With: former New Jersey Mining Co.

Idaho Strategic now eyes new direction in rare earth elements

February 2, 2023

Mike McLean

Idaho Strategic Resources Inc., the Coeur d'Alene-based mining company formerly known as New Jersey Mining Co., sees its future in rare earth elements, says John Swallow, company president and CEO. The company took on its new name in late 2021.

Fairchild Air Force Base aims to grow its externship program

More companies sought for temporary placements

January 19, 2023

Virginia Thomas

Fairchild Air Force Base is continuing its externships program with a second cohort next month. Capt. Sean Johnson, chief technology officer of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild, says the program currently is accepting up to 10 external partners

Hotstart has hot start to 2023

Valley manufacturer acquires Florida company, hopes to hit $75M in sales

January 19, 2023

Erica Bullock

Spokane Valley-based manufacturer Hotstart Inc., which does business as Hotstart Thermal Management, is planning for a big year of development and growth following its recent acquisition of Tampa, Florida-based engine heating company

Idaho mining execs optimistic about the future

Hecla anticipates higher output; Idaho Strategic expands rare earth sites

December 15, 2022

Mike McLean

Inland Northwest mining industry representatives are optimistic about mining in the coming year and beyond. Coeur d'Alene-based Hecla Mining Co., which is the largest silver producer in the U.S., recently agreed to acquire all outstanding stock in

Demand, prices for wood products expected to slow further

Market reacting to Fed raising interest rates

December 15, 2022

Virginia Thomas

The wood products industry is likely to see a cooling of market volatility in 2023 as demand slows due to inflation and interest rate increases, experts say. Tim Borg, general manager at the Spokane offices of Texas-based supplier and manufacturer of

Brick West Brewing plans two more locations

Planned Airway Heights site to produce canned beer

December 15, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Brick West Brewing Co. is expanding with a new taproom north of Spokane and is planning a new taproom and second brewing facility in West Spokane, near Airway Heights. Co-owner Jordan Tampien says construction on the planned second brewing facility

What's happening with: LED tech maker Rohinni

Company aims to begin mass production soon, be profitable in 2024

November 17, 2022

Mike McLean

Liberty Lake-based micro and mini LED lighting technology developer Rohinni Inc. plans to release a new production machine next month to a partner in China, BOE Technology Group Co., which has signed a letter of intent to buy hundreds of the machines