Manufacturing

Tractor Beverage raises $18.5 million in VC capital

North Idaho company distributes organic drinks exclusively to restaurants

May 7, 2020

A specialty soda company based in Dalton Gardens has raised $18.5 million in venture capital funding. According to proprietary market data software subscription platform PitchBook, Tractor Beverages Inc. raised the funding as a combination of equity

Vestis Systems shifts focus to making clear barriers

Small manufacturer aims to bring back employees

April 23, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Spokane-based custom awnings, sunshades, and canopy maker Vestis Systems Inc. has shifted its manufacturing operations to make and install clear vinyl barriers for businesses.

Clearwater Paper is lone bright spot in first quarter market report

Toilet paper demand fuels manufacturer as others lose value

April 23, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Fueled by nationwide consumer demand in toilet paper, Spokane-based Clearwater Paper Corp. was the lone publicly traded company in the region to experience an increase in market capitalization in the first quarter of 2020, according to an analysis by Hart

Xcraft raises $1.1M though crowdfunding effort

DroneÂ manufacturer addsÂ more than 2K investorsÂ

April 9, 2020

Virginia Thomas

XCraftÂ Enterprises Inc., the Coeur d'Alene-basedÂ droneÂ manufacturer, raised $1.1Â million in angel fundingÂ in a campaign that closedÂ early last month through theÂ StartEngineÂ crowdfunding platform.Â

Silver linings emerge amid coronavirus storm

Some companies report sales growth, while others adapt

April 9, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Shannon Myers never thought she'd be talking about toilet paper so much, even though she's the spokeswoman for a company that makes it. Though Spokane-based Clearwater Paper Corp. doesn't have hard revenue figures yet for the first quarter of 2020

Mullen Technologies agreement on West Plains expires

PDA remains optimistic that electric sports car maker will build plant here

April 9, 2020

Natasha Nellis

The letter of intent signed by Brea, California-based Mullen Technologies Inc. committing to take land for an envisioned electric sports car manufacturing plant expired March 31, leaving the young company's future in the region somewhat uncertain.

First part of Exotic Metals expansion takes shape

Manufacturing company to complete first of two new buildings this fall

March 26, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Kent, Washington-based Exotic Metals Forming Co.'s two-phase expansion project at its West Plains facility is well underway, with walls in place on the first phase at 12933 W. McFarlane Road. The manufacturing company is building two new warehouse

Bankruptcy court approves Tamarack Aerospace's reorganization plan

Company starts to emerge from Chapter 11 protection

March 26, 2020

Natasha Nellis

The U.S. District Court for Eastern Washington has confirmed the plan for reorganization filed by Sandpoint-based Tamarack Aerospace Group Inc., allowing the company to start to emerge from its voluntary bankruptcy.

2020 Icons: Pam Senske

Daughter of founder modernized company, helped shape culture

March 26, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Though founded by a man in the predominantly male world of manufacturing, West Plains packaging equipment manufacturer Pearson Packaging Systems has a long history of being run by women. And arguably, none played a more influential role than Pam Senske

Vaccine, drug manufacturing startup secures angel funding

Selkirk Pharma raises $9M, eyes first plant

March 26, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Spokane-based injectable-drug manufacturing and packaging startup Selkirk Pharma Inc. has raised $9 million in new angel funding. Meanwhile, the company is considering how the current coronavirus pandemic could affect the construction time line