REDMOND, OR -- About 60 local elected officials, school administrators and other community leaders will tour four Redmond manufacturing companies, Friday, as part of a national effort to recognize the industry. "National Manufacturing Day celebrates the industry of manufacturing nationwide. And, our target was to do the same here in Redmond, by celebrating manufacturing as an industry and what it does to help grow our economy – from a jobs and investment perspective," says Jon Stark, with Redmond Economic Development, Inc (REDI).
Stark says the city has become a regional hub for the sector, which is benefiting local businesses. "Now that the economy is humming along again, they’re hitting on all cylinders. Manufacturing in Redmond has seen 50% growth since 2011, to 2016; and total wages collected in manufacturing has grown by 63%." He believes the city’s policies and infrastructure provide an atmosphere that allows the industry to thrive.
This is the fifth time REDI has organized the “Made in Redmond Tour.” This year's event includes stops at Medline Renewal, Treasure Valley Coffee, Composite Approach and Evolution Aircraft (formerly LancAir). "We heard from the composites and the aviation industry that they wanted to expose the community to the skillsets and the industry here in Central Oregon," says Stark, "Importantly, because they’re looking for growth in employees. They want people to know there’s a career opportunity in that industry." He says the idea is for attendees to later help educate others about what local companies are doing and what skills the manufacturing sector is looking for in a workforce.
