Strengthening Manufacturing: Impact Washington's Partnership with Skagit County

Manufacturing is the backbone of economic growth and innovation in Skagit County. Thanks to the collaborative efforts between Impact Washington and the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County, local manufacturers are receiving the resources, training, and support they need to thrive. This partnership has been in place for nearly a decade and has addressed manufacturers' challenges and laid the groundwork for sustainable growth.

A Decade of Collaboration

Impact Washington, a nonprofit Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center,  supports small and medium-sized manufacturers across Washington state. Since 1997, it has delivered 3,000 value-driven improvement solutions to more than 1,500 of Washington's small and medium-sized businesses, helping them compete and grow. Its collaboration with EDASC highlights a commitment to fostering innovation and enhancing competitiveness.

"Impact Washington and EDASC have jointly reached out to several companies in Skagit County, providing combined services and support to manufacturing businesses. As a Signature Investor in EDASC, our partnership has spanned approximately 10 years," explained Miguel Moreno, the marketing outreach coordinator at Impact Washington.

The partnership includes active participation in EDASC-organized events and collaborative training sessions. These initiatives are designed to help regional manufacturers gain a competitive advantage through workshops focusing on key areas such as strategic planning and Lean manufacturing techniques. “Shortly after I came to EDASC in 2015, I sought out a partnership with Impact Washington because of the benefits to our manufacturing sector, especially those of a typical size for Skagit County that might not otherwise have access to these resources,” noted John Sternlicht, CEO of EDASC.

Overcoming Challenges

Depending on their size and industry, Skagit County manufacturers face a diverse range of challenges. From strategic planning to navigating complex ERP systems, Impact Washington tailors its solutions to meet each business's specific needs.

"For very small companies, the challenges are related to strategic thinking, planning, marketing, and adopting new manufacturing techniques like Lean and Toyota Kata," shared Moreno. “For aerospace manufacturers, the focus is on AS/ISO Quality Management Systems, while larger companies need guidance on selecting ERP systems and implementing cost-efficient manufacturing techniques.”

By addressing these challenges directly, Impact Washington empowers businesses to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain high-quality standards without compromising their workforce.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

Impact Washington's future initiatives aim to deepen support for Skagit County's manufacturing sector. A standout offering is the Business Evaluation, a complimentary service tailored for small and medium-sized manufacturers in the region.

"For 2025, Impact Washington and EDASC will collaborate to organize manufacturing workshops for very small companies," said Moreno. “Additionally, Impact Washington participates annually in the Small Business fair organized by EDASC, providing manufacturers with critical resources and networking opportunities.”

Impact Washington also plans to continue collaborating with Skagit Valley College on the Job Skills Program (JSP) Grant, which supports workforce development by equipping local workers with industry-relevant skills. Further support comes from the Small Manufacturers Growth and Support Grant, ensuring that small companies can access impactful resources at no cost.

Building a Stronger Future Together

The collaboration between Impact Washington and EDASC continues to shape a brighter future for Skagit County’s manufacturing sector. By providing tailored support, innovative solutions, and valuable resources, these organizations empower manufacturers to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities. As manufacturing evolves, their partnership ensures local businesses can adapt, thrive, and remain competitive in a global economy.

For manufacturers ready to take the next step in growth and innovation, Impact Washington and EDASC stand prepared to help. Together, they support businesses and build a stronger, more resilient Skagit County.

To learn more about how Impact Washington can support your business, visit Impact Washington’s website.

Together, we can foster a secure and thriving manufacturing environment in Skagit County! Visit our website, call us at 360-336-6114, or email us at office@skagit.org to learn more about how we can support your business journey!