The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized three outstanding manufacturers at the annual Manufacturing Matters awards on Oct. 2 at CenterPlace.
Jeff Utecht delivered the keynote on leading multigenerational teams before the Chamber presented awards for Operational Excellence, Innovation, and Manufacturer of the Year.
Manufacturer of the Year: Premier Manufacturing
Premier Manufacturing turned crisis into opportunity.
In 2018, the company faced serious operational problems. Instead of cutting corners, leadership chose the harder path: complete organizational restructuring built on lean manufacturing and transparent data sharing.
The results speak for themselves: monthly sales doubled, customer satisfaction hit 98%, on-time delivery improved 20% and they did it all while staying debt-free.
This award recognizes more than a successful turnaround. It celebrates a company that proved strategic discipline and operational excellence can transform struggling operations into industry leaders.
Operational Excellence: Jubilant HollisterStier
Jubilant HollisterStier doesn’t just run an efficient operation—they set the standard for what modern manufacturing should achieve.
They break production records. They improve throughput by 20%. They keep 92% of clients coming back year after year.
But operational excellence means more than hitting numbers. It means building systems that prevent problems before they start. It means investing in technology that creates sustainable competitive advantages. It means proving Washington manufacturers can compete with anyone, anywhere.
This award recognizes a company that shows the world what’s possible when you combine strategic thinking with relentless improvement.
Innovation: Altek, Inc.
Altek tackles the problems other manufacturers won’t touch.
Their breakthrough technologies—In-Mold Electronics, Carbon Fiber-filled Plastics, and Plant-Based Plastics—solve engineering challenges that seemed impossible. They’re pushing manufacturing forward while making it more sustainable.
But Altek’s innovation extends beyond their factory floor. Through the MINDS-i Robotics Education program, they’re preparing the next generation of innovators nationwide. As founding members of the NW I-90 Manufacturing Alliance and through the Al Marzetta Foundation, they’re lifting up entire communities.
This award celebrates a company that proves innovation means more than great products. It means building a better future for everyone.
