Seattle Business magazine honored 18 pioneering companies at its annual Washington Manufacturing Awards gala last night at the Museum of Flight. The event attracted 300 leaders from across the state. The diversity of this year’s finalists—which included companies that make everything from water jet machining equipment to medical devices—demonstrates the breadth and depth of the state’s industrial base.
“The winners were companies with innovative products who found ways to boost their competitiveness through improved manufacturing processes and effective marketing,” said Leslie Helm, editor of Seattle Business magazine. “It’s companies like these that remind us of the current strength and future promise of Washington’s manufacturing sector.” Washington manufacturers account for 12 percent of the state’s economy and close to half of all its exports.
The program was supported by presenting sponsor Chase Commercial Banking, signature sponsors Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and Berntson Porter & Company, and Program Partner Impact Washington.
AWARD WINNERS
Manufacturer of the Year
Large Firms
Winner: Romac Industries, Bothell
Silver Award: Rainier Industries, Tukwila
Midsize Firms
Winner: Omax Corporation, Kent
Silver Award: Lucks Food Decorating Co., Tacoma
Small Firms
Winner: Torklift International, Sumner
Silver Award: WaterTectonics, Everett
Manufacturing Executive of the Year
Large Firms
Winner: Tuanhai Hoang, President, Qualitel Corporation, Everett
Small Firms
Winner: Lisa Chissus, owner and president, CFM Consolidated, Fife
Emerging Manufacturer of the Year
Winner: Fathom, Seattle
Silver Award: Blue Frog Solar, Poulsbo
Manufacturing Innovator of the Year
Large Firms
Winner: Aseptico, Woodinville
Small Firms
Winner: Breedt Production Tooling & Design, Kent
Food/Beverage Processor of the Year
Large Firms
Winner: Tree Top, Selah
Midsize Firms
Winner: Talking Rain Beverage Co., Preston
Small Firms
Winner: Seattle Chocolates, Seattle
Building Trades
Winner: Henrybuilt, Seattle
Manufacturing Services
Winner: Morley Machine Tool Alignment, Milton
Heritage Award
Winner: Physio-Control, Redmond
2015 Washington Manufacturing Awards judges:
David McGiverin, president, Northwest Food Processors Association
Thomas McLaughlin, executive director, Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS)
Barbara Mead, partner, Moss Adams
Ron Rauch, shareholder, Clark Nuber
John Vicklund, former president, Impact Washington
Bill Virgin, editor and publisher, Washington Manufacturing Alert
Gary White, director of business retention and expansion, Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC)
Find complete coverage of the 2015 Washington Manufacturing Awards in the May issue of Seattle Business magazine and at seattlebusinessmag.com.
ABOUT SEATTLE BUSINESS: Seattle Business is a monthly magazine read by more than 100,000 business executives across the state. Annual events tied to its editorial coverage include the Executive Excellence Awards, Leaders in Health Care Awards, Washington Manufacturing Awards, 100 Best Companies to Work For Awards, Community Impact Awards, Tech Impact Awards and Family Business Awards. Seattle Business is owned by Minneapolis-based Tiger Oak Media, which also publishes Seattle magazine, Seattle Bride magazine and more than 20 other leading regional magazines.