Manufacturing Week bus tour
Two custom-wrapped buses, six days, more than 2,000 miles and nearly
70 manufacturing shopfloor visits is just part of the story of AWB’s
first-ever statewide Manufacturing Week bus tour Sept. 29-Oct. 6.
As the state’s designated manufacturing
association, AWB advocates for and
works alongside manufacturers to update
perceptions about the industry’s hands-on
career options, to develop a robust workforce
pipeline and create a competitive environment. of products ranging from woolen textiles and
hand-carved wooden boats to french fries and
world-class wines. At each stop, employees
were invited to sign the bus and be part of the
discussion about manufacturing and what it
means to them and their communities.
In fall 2017, AWB took that effort to a new
level, embarking on a week-long journey
across the state to highlight the products
and people that make up Washington
manufacturing, and to show the next
generation the clean, high-tech and high-
wage jobs available in manufacturing. AWB also toured high schools and community
and technical colleges to learn more about
the innovative ways education partners with
employers to introduce young adults and those
returning to school later in life with the career
opportunities manufacturing has to offer.
The tour kicked off on the Olympic Peninsula.
Each day, AWB staff, legislators, community
leaders and others met with manufacturers
The week wrapped up on national
Manufacturing Day Friday, Oct. 6, as the bus
tour made its final stop in Tumwater at Alaffia,
a fair-trade manufacturer of skin care products
with a mission to alleviate poverty and
promote gender equality.
The health of Washington’s diverse and vibrant
manufacturing sector is a bellwether for the
state’s overall economic health. And, it needs
care to continue to support families and
communities across the state.