OLYMPIA—A new report issued today by the Association of Washington Business and its nonprofit AWB Institute underscores the value of the industry to the state’s economy while highlighting several key competitiveness concerns.

The report, “Challenges & Opportunities for Manufacturers in Washington State,” features the findings from a three-month, six-city tour conducted by the business group, talking with Washington state manufacturers about key issues affecting employment and the general business climate. Between August and October of 2011, AWB representatives met with 70 small, medium and large manufacturers representing approximately 5,000 employees in Everett, Mount Vernon, Moses Lake, Pasco, Spokane and Vancouver. The report was released in conjunction with the association’s Legislative Day at the Red Lion in Olympia.

“Washington state manufacturers play an integral role in our economic recovery and our state’s overall economic well-being,” said AWB President Don Brunell. “The goal of these sessions was to discuss the positive aspects of running a manufacturing business in the state of Washington and what could be done to ensure the industry’s continued growth and presence in the state.” 

Among the report’s key findings:

• Power rates must remain competitive to attract new manufacturers and retain existing companies.
• Changes are needed to Initiative 937 in order for manufacturers to remain competitive with other states.
• There is a lack of a skilled workforce to meet demand.
• Tax incentives play a vital role in the growth of the manufacturing industry and must be protected.
• There are serious regulatory issues with several state and federal regulatory agencies that must be addressed.

“If there’s one thing this tour underscored is the value of this industry to Washington state,” said Amy Johnson, strategic consultant to AWB and the AWB Institute. “Manufacturing jobs accounted for almost 10 percent of the state’s employment in 2009, and the average Washington state manufacturing employee earned more than $77,470 in salary and benefits. We have a tremendous opportunity here to attract and retain some of the brightest talent in the industry, but as our members pointed out time and again, we must retain our competitiveness.”

AWB is both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing association, and is a proud partner with the National Association of Manufacturing.  AWB’s nonprofit, the AWB Institute, tracks workforce and manufacturing issues in the state. To download a copy of the report, visit the AWB Institute’s website.


About the Association of Washington Business
Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 7,800 members representing 650,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit www.awb.org.