Manufacturing
Our traditions transform the modern market.
Global Connectivity
Expanding your manufacturing business to Greater Seattle provides unmatched logistics, incredible talent, market access and global connectivity. With three deep-water ports including North America’s 5th largest container gateway and a top 10 international airport—the closest West Coast gateway to Europe and Asia—the region is an ideal logistics hub. Washington’s energy costs are significantly lower than the national average thanks to renewable sources like hydroelectric and wind power, making it a cost-effective and sustainable choice for manufacturers.
Strength in Numbers
Billion
Annual GDP 2023
Billion
In Earnings 2023
Direct Jobs
Median Salary for a Manufacturing Job
Map of Leading Manufacturing Companies in Greater Seattle
Greater Seattle is a hub of manufacturing innovation, fueling economic growth across Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties. Leading manufacturing companies including Boeing, Paccar, and Darigold drive job creation and technological advancements. Firms such as Monolithic Power Systems, Alliance Packaging, and Aviation Technical Services support key sectors from aerospace and power solutions to custom packaging. Innovators like Biolife Solutions, Electroimpact, and Nanostring Technologies lead in biotech and automation.
Greater Seattle’s Manufacturing Powerhouses in Aerospace, Tech, Clean Energy, and Innovation.
The Greater Seattle region, encompassing Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties, is a hub for advanced manufacturing across several critical sectors.
Manufacturing for air
The aerospace sector is a dominant force in the Greater Seattle region, with Boeing’s Everett plant— the largest industrial manufacturing facility in the world—at its core. The region is supported by a vast network of suppliers, parts manufacturers, and maintenance operators serving the global aviation industry. Boeing is advancing the future of aviation with a $425 million, seven-year NASA grant to develop and test fuel-efficient airplanes.
ZeroAvia, magniX, and Eviation are building hydrogen-electric powertrains, electric propulsion systems, and all-electric aircraft, respectively.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) is another key focus, with companies like Twelve and SkyNRG constructing commercial-scale SAF production facilities in the state. Snohomish County and Washington State University are collaborating to establish a SAF Research and Development Center in Snohomish County at the Seattle Paine Field International Airport.
Manufacturing for space
The Greater Seattle area is a key hub for satellite and rocket manufacturing, with several major players driving the industry. SpaceX, based in Redmond, develops satellites for its Starlink broadband network, which now has over 3,800 operational satellites. Amazon’s Project Kuiper, also in Redmond, aims to launch 3,236 satellites for global internet coverage. Startups like Xplore focus on interplanetary satellites, while Kymeta provides flat-panel satellite terminals for mobile and fixed platforms. Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos in Kent, works on reusable rockets like the New Shepard and New Glenn to reduce space travel costs. Aerojet Rocketdyne in Redmond develops propulsion systems for space missions, including NASA’s Artemis program, and AeroTEC in Seattle offers engineering and testing services to support aerospace technology development. The region’s thriving tech ecosystem, including companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, further strengthens this growing space sector.
Blue Origin. A Blue Ring rendering in space (image not to scale).
Manufacturing for water
The Greater Seattle region’s maritime manufacturing sector plays a crucial role in the local economy, with shipbuilding, repair, maintenance, and the production of maritime equipment at its core. This includes vessels for the fishing, transportation, and defense sectors, supported by leading companies such as SAFE Boats International, based in Bremerton, which produces high-performance aluminum boats for military, law enforcement, and rescue operations. Tacoma-based Silverback Marine designs and builds custom aluminum boats, while TOTE Maritime is a key player in marine logistics and transportation. The region is also a center for innovation in marine technology, with companies like ioCurrents in Seattle providing real-time boat monitoring platforms, and OpenTug, a Seattle-based platform connecting shipping customers and service providers. Inov8v Marine Group, located in Woodinville, develops advanced propulsion and sonar systems for commercial fishing. Washington Maritime Blue is fostering sustainable maritime solutions, positioning the region as a leader in clean maritime technology. Together, these companies and innovations drive the growth of Greater Seattle’s robust maritime industry.
SAFE Boats International manufacturing facility in Bremerton, WA.
Manufacturing for a healthier us
Greater Seattle’s technological manufacturing includes a diverse range of companies producing cutting-edge electronics, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals, supported by world-class research institutions.
In Bothell, IonQ is advancing quantum computing with its innovative trapped-ion technology, while Microsoft is a major player in computer hardware manufacturing, developing next-generation devices and components. In the life sciences, companies like Just – Evotec Biologics are revolutionizing biomanufacturing with antibody therapeutics at their facility in Redmond.
Philips, Stryker, Fujifilm Sonosite, and Siemens Healthineers lead in medical device manufacturing, while local biotech firms like Sound Pharmaceuticals, Sana Biotechnology, and Rarecyte are driving innovation in therapeutics and diagnostics.
This robust ecosystem positions Greater Seattle as a leader in technology and life sciences manufacturing, providing solutions that impact global health and tech advancements.
A clinical using Philips intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging during a procedure.
Manufacturing for the planet
The Greater Seattle region is rapidly becoming a hub for clean technology manufacturing, driven by a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. The industry includes the production of renewable energy components like solar panels, wind turbine parts, and advanced energy storage systems.
Companies such as ZapEnergy, Helion Energy, Avalanche Energy, and Kyoto Fusioneering are leading the way in fusion energy development. Group14 is revolutionizing battery technology, and First Mode designs and builds clean energy systems for large-scale industrial equipment. PACCAR, a global leader in commercial vehicle manufacturing, is advancing the production of electric trucks, playing a significant role in the shift to sustainable transportation.
Aquagga has developed cutting-edge technology to eliminate harmful PFAS chemicals without producing toxic byproducts. TOTE Maritime, a national leader in green shipping, built the first liquid natural gas (LNG) ships and converted its fleet to run on natural gas.
These companies, along with a growing ecosystem of clean tech innovators, are positioning Greater Seattle as a key player in the future of sustainable manufacturing.
At Helion Energy Ryan Song presenting Trenta.
Manufacturing ideas
If you’re looking for a common place, this isn’t it. But if you are driven by new ideas, come join us. In the Greater Seattle region, innovation thrives alongside a deep connection to community and the natural beauty that surrounds us. Inspired by our tribal cultures and a focus on sustainability and equality, we create solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
This spirit is reflected in the region’s manufacturing startups. 8th Generation, owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe, reclaimed a market once dominated by non-Native companies by producing Native-designed wool blankets that honor cultural traditions. Pallet, based in Everett, builds prefabricated tiny homes for unhoused populations, offering not only shelter but dignity and community support. In Tacoma, Homeostasis Systems is pioneering CO2 removal technology that transforms atmospheric carbon into essential materials for the battery industry, while Richlite creates sustainable building materials from recycled paper and resin, furthering the region’s commitment to eco-friendly solutions. We’ve listed just several startups in the region that are driven by our ethos of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
8th Generation producing Native-designed wool blankets.
Our traditions transform
the modern market.
Here Advanced Manufacturing Meets Advanced Skill Set
The manufacturing industry in Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties benefits from a strong workforce supply, robust development programs, and competitive wages that reflect the region’s advanced skill set. The region’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, clean energy, and technology ensures that companies benefit from increased productivity and cutting-edge expertise, offering a high return on investment for businesses looking to expand.
Workforce development in the region is supported by a network of educational institutions, apprenticeship and training programs:
- Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) and Washington State’s Centers of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace
- Manufacturing-focused programs are offered by institutions such as South Seattle College, which provides a Manufacturing Academy
- Shoreline Community College with multiple manufacturing-based AAAS and certificate programs
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s School of Engineering and Manufacturing
- Renton Technical College’s advanced manufacturing programs.
- Bates Technical College
- Clover Park Technical College
- Green River College
- North Seattle College
- The University of Washington’s Industrial and Systems Engineering Department also offers specialized programs that prepare workers for high-demand jobs.
These programs equip workers with skills in advanced manufacturing, robotics, clean energy technologies, and aerospace production, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent to meet industry needs. The region’s strong focus on continuous training, upskilling, and competitive earnings makes Greater Seattle a prime location for manufacturing talent and innovation.
Latest News
Inside Puget Sound’s Booming Cleantech Industry
The Puget Sound region’s cleantech industry is rapidly expanding, with companies like First Mode playing a key role by developing zero-emission powertrains for heavy vehicles, attracting significant investments and contributing to carbon reduction efforts in the mining sector.
Manufacturing Incentives
No personal state income tax.
No corporate income tax.
No inventory tax.
No sales or use tax on machinery and equipment used in manufacturing operations.
The State of Washington does have a B&O Sales Tax, which is measured on the value of products, gross proceeds of sale, or gross income of the business. The rate for the manufacturing classification is 0.00484 but can slightly vary in specific manufacturing sectors.
Through the Customized Employment Training Program, employers can receive a B&O tax credit (through June, 2026) equal to 50% of their payments to the Employment Training Finance Account for customized employee training. This incentive is available to all Washington employers.