AWB Institute

2025 Manufacturing Week & Bus Tour Route Oct. 1 | Day 1: Seattle & State of Manufacturing Address Oct. 2 | Day 2: North Seattle Oct. 3 | Day 3: Kitsap Peninsula Oct. 6 | Day 4: Yakima & Tri-Cities Oct. 7 | Day 5: Spokane Oct. 8 | Day 6: Moses Lake, Ellensburg, and I-90 corridor *Route is tentative and subject to change. AWB’s annual Manufacturing Week bus tour and video series raises awareness of the important role manufacturing plays in our state, and supports the successful growth of our state’s manufacturing sector as we work towards achieving the goal of doubling manufacturing in Washington by 2031. It shines a spotlight on Washington’s makers and calls attention to ways policymakers, economic development groups, chamber of commerce leaders and others can support manufacturers. Challenges facing manufacturing include a complex regulatory environment, relatively high taxes and a skills gap making it difficult to find qualified workers. Our annual tour visits shop floors in every corner of the state and in every sort of industry, from mint flavoring and agriculture to metal fabrication and pharmaceuticals. It’s not unusual to start the day at a silicon wafer facility, visit a fruit packer, stop by a drone manufacturer, then end the day with high school students working on small engine repair. We also love the opportunity to visit and highlight the gorgeous corners of our state, and call attention to manufacturing’s role in supporting these communities. Why does AWB care so much about Manufacturing? Manufacturing Week Tour Manufacturing built Washington’s economy and manufacturing will lead our economic recovery. As the state’s manufacturing association, AWB represents approximately 1,200 members in the manufacturing industry, which is a pillar of Washington’s economy. Washington manufacturers employ roughly 271,000 people in good-paying careers, and contribute more than $60 billion in goods annually to our state’s economy. We love to share the positive stories of manufacturing in Washington state. As the state’s designated manufacturing association, AWB is committed to raising awareness about the importance of manufacturing, and to calling attention to ways that leaders can support manufacturers. Policies that lawmakers adopt directly impact the ability of manufacturers to compete and succeed in the global marketplace. That’s why it’s imperative they support policies that address the growing skills gap, reduce the regulatory and tax burden and support trade and export. Key messages Manufacturing Week Tour Manufacturing remains a vital part of Washington’s economy even as the economy grows and evolves. Nearly 8 percent of Washington’s nonfarm workforce is employed in manufacturing. Manufacturing offers a pathway to the middle class with good-paying careers (average wage of $93,291); many do not require a four-year degree. This is not your grandfather’s manufacturing economy. In many respects, today’s manufacturing jobs are high-tech jobs that require some form of post-secondary education.