Manufacturing

As prices fall, mining industry waits for demand to rebound

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December 19, 2013

With a significant decline in metal prices during 2013, mining companies are cutting costs and focusing on their most promising properties for next year. Laura Skaer, executive director of Spokane-based American Exploration & Mining Association, formerly

Inland Northwest timber industry expects steady recovery in coming year

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December 19, 2013

Treva Lind

The wood products sector is expecting continued, steady improvement next year, largely due to anticipated ongoing recovery in the U.S. housing market, industry observers say. Shawn Church, editor of Eugene, Ore.-based Random Lengths, a publication that t

Inland Northwest economy continues to make positive strides

While some industries face challenges, others report return to prerecession levels

December 19, 2013

Linn Parish

In some sectors of the Inland Northwest economy, activity levels are returning to prerecession levels, welcome news that comes none too soon for economic observers. In overall employment, Spokane-area economists are expecting job growth next year, though

Revett Minerals posts loss, files for U.S. corporation

Company seeks name change; headquarters to stay here

November 21, 2013

Treva Lind

Spokane Valley-based Revett Minerals Inc. has reported a third-quarter net loss of $600,000, or 2 cents per share, compared with net income of $4.4 million a year ago. The loss follows 10 months of halted operations at the company's Troy Mine in

Liberty Lake prototyping shop crafts steady growth

Proto Technologies adds equipment, clients as revenue climbs

November 21, 2013

Treva Lind

Proto Technologies Inc., a Liberty Lake prototype manufacturer, has experienced growth this year in revenues and its client base, says Rory Nay, the company's president.The company, located at 22808 E. Appleway, makes custom parts, models, and a

Wemco plans big new facility on West Plains

Project is latest of several on the West Plains that total about $40 million

November 21, 2013

Treva Lind

Airway Heights-based Wemco Inc., a light industrial equipment manufacturer, is starting a $6 million project to build a new production facility on a 10-acre parcel on the West Plains, says John Rouse, the company's vice president.The project is

Engineering firm slims down machine manufacturing

Lambie uses 'right-sized' technology, robotics to streamline processes

November 7, 2013

Katie Ross

Lambie Engineering LLC, of Spokane Valley, is hoping to revolutionize the way companies fabricate parts through the concept of lean manufacturing. One of the tenets of lean manufacturing, says Lambie Engineering President and owner Ken Lambie, a

Vandermeer to expand, move in Valley

Lumber supplier builds new office, distribution facility on Barker Road acreage

November 7, 2013

Mike McLean

Vandermeer Forest Products Inc., a Lynnwood, Wash.-based wholesale lumber supplier, is preparing to move its Spokane Valley operations onto its own property in the Valley from leased office space and a third-party distribution facility, says Gary a

Revett Minerals delays Troy Mine production start

Amid safety concerns, company starts work on new, $12 million underground route

November 7, 2013

Treva Lind

Spokane Valley-based Revett Minerals Inc., which in December suspended mining at its Troy Mine in Montana due to safety concerns, says it won't resume operations there until late next year as it constructs a new underground route to copper and CEO

Calling all inventors, gadgeteers: Makerspace group forms in Spokane

Spokane Create! sponsors meetings where members can tinker with technology

November 7, 2013

Treva Lind

A nonprofit organization here named Spokane Create! is embracing a growing trend in the U.S. and globally to launch community workshops called "makerspaces," where a diverse group of people can tinker with technology and build gadgets.The people