Manufacturing

Scafco Grain Systems sold to South Dakota company

Sioux Steel Co. to retain employees, operations in Spokane

March 17, 2022

Mike McLean

Longtime Spokane company Scafco Grain Systems Co. has been acquired by Sioux Steel Co., of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Baxter Performance to expand into retail markets

Dealerships, repair shops may carry products made by Baxter Performance

March 10, 2022

Karina Elias

Spokane Valley-based manufacturer Baxter Performance is expanding its line of automotive oil filter adaptors to be placed in car dealerships and service garages for retail sales. Kevin Baxter, president of Baxter Performance says of the move:

Whatever Happened To: Mullen's plans for a West Plains electric-vehicle manufacturing plant

Startup Mullen Automotive moves on from Spokane, opens new plant in South

January 27, 2022

Mike McLean

Mullen Automotive Inc. appears to have left Spokane and Memphis, Tennessee both in its rearview mirror and now is planning to base its initial electric-vehicle production in Mississippi.

Bill backed by Billig to entice manufacturing jobs

Economic development groups like the measure, but it could reduce PDA revenues

January 27, 2022

Karina Elias

A state Senate bill designed to provide incentives to create manufacturing jobs is receiving some support here, though it might reduce revenue for some public entities that were created to promote such job creation.

Spokane Industries changes hands

Tenold brothers spin off Spokane Stainless Technologies

January 12, 2022

Linn Parish

Spokane Industries Inc. owners Greg and Tyrus Tenold have sold the foundry business and spun off its stainless products division into a new company, Spokane Stainless Technologies Inc.

Future looks shiny for Silver Valley mining industry

Production of silver, rare earth elements said vital to economy

December 16, 2021

Mike McLean

Mining companies active in North Idaho's Silver Valley are optimistic about 2022 and beyond. Mike Satre, Coeur d'Alene-based Hecla's Mining Co.'s director of governmental affairs, says the company expects to see steady production of silver, gold

Volatility in wood prices, supply to extend into 2022

Weather, hike in duties to influence market here

December 16, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Prices for wood products have been up and down this year, and experts say that volatility will remain into 2022. Shawn Church, editor of the Eugene, Ore.-based FastMarkets Random Lengths, a publication that tracks lumber prices and forest-products

Idaho Forest Group apprenticeships help to expand skilled workforce

Lumber producer offers training to employees with 'aptitude to learn'

November 18, 2021

Erica Bullock

Millwrights, industrial electricians, and heavy-duty mechanics are in high demand at Idaho Forest Group's sawmills right now, says Marie Price, the lumber company's director of training and development.

Permits issued for three Spokane Valley projects worth $14 million

Triad Machinery, PODS, Krueger Sheet Metal plan new facilities

November 18, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Three commercial projects valued at a total of $14 million have been issued building permits recently by the city of Spokane Valley. Triad Machinery is constructing a new facility for sales, rental, and services of heavy equipment at 19201 E. Garland