Kristopher Pockell is a software engineering manager at Liberty Lake-based OpenEye by day and the co-founder of Spokane Valley-based Elixir Sauce Co. by night.

ATC Manufacturing Inc. is nearly doubling its 67,000-square-foot headquarters and manufacturing facility at 1224 N. Lean with a new 57,600-square-foot expansion project.

As CEO of CDL PowerSuite LLC, Andrew Hite sets the pace for the Spokane Valley-based company by defining business goals, establishing initiatives, and creating a supportive team environment.

Hotstart Inc. is making parts for engine block heating systems out of its 90,000-square-foot facility at 6715 E. Mission, where the Spokane Valley-based manufacturer has just completed a $1.1 million renovation project.

Four Inland Northwest-based businesses have made Inc. business magazine’s annual list of the 5,000 fastest growing companies in the country.

Solar and renewable energy system installations on commercial buildings in Spokane have increased since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed in 2025, as building owners and businesses hurry to perform planned projects before a clean energy tax credit ends.

Inland Northwest manufacturers are positioning the region as a hub for emerging technologies as they pursue opportunities in nuclear energy, clean energy, and photonics.

LaunchPad Inland Northwest Foundation has secured a $100,000 grant as it expands its InnovateINW initiative to include partnerships, an AI & Cyber Network, and programming aimed at helping businesses adapt to artificial intelligence.

Some Inland Northwest-based manufacturers are starting to experiment with artificial intelligence to combat an ongoing skilled worker shortage and to improve operational efficiency.