washington business
A Houston neighborhood ’ s sump pump , powered by Vaughan ’ s exclusive design and manufactured by the company ’ s 110 employees in Montesano , removed 2.5 million gallons of water over two days , operating despite sucking in fishing nets , 2-by-4 planks and other flood debris .
And during that same devastating storm , search and rescue operations took place on watercraft made in Bremerton and Tacoma by SAFE Boats International .
Not every job has that level of heroic impact , but manufacturers know that they are making something that matters .
At the century-old Pendleton Woolen Mills in Washougal , 200 workers using complex looms create elaborate blankets and durable clothing , working three shifts around the clock .
John Charles , a picker who sorts and separates the different colors and grades of wool , has been at Pendleton for seven years . He trains other employees and buys Pendleton clothing for himself and his family . “ I like to wear quality clothes and I try to do a quality job ,” he said . In Tacoma , where the unique all-weather Rite in the Rain paper is made , employees say the diversity of the 400-plus custom products make the workday unique .
“ I like to wear quality clothes , so I try to do a quality job .”
— John Charles , a seven-year employee of Pendleton Woolen Mills in Washougal , who proudly clothes himself and his family in the fabrics he helps the company create
“ You ’ re doing what nobody else in the whole world is doing ,” said Margo Moon , an 11-year employee . “ I can ’ t wait to get to work . You never know what you ’ re going to do .”
Just as employees know that they ’ re building something that matters , the owners and managers of Washington ’ s manufacturing companies know that they are supporting their communities by providing quality jobs .
crucial to economy
For AWB staff , the trip underscored the importance of manufacturing to the health of communities , especially small communities outside of the urban centers .
“ A lot of major manufacturing happens in rural areas ,” said Colin Hastings , executive director of the Pasco Chamber of Commerce . “ Rural areas depend on these jobs , and trade is extremely important to the region .” spring 2018 39