October is Manufacturing Month – a time to recognize the vital role manufacturers play in Washington’s economy and communities. Every year, this month is dedicated to raising awareness of modern manufacturing, showcasing career pathways, and strengthening connections between industry, education, and workforce partners.
In Washington, manufacturing is more than just production — it’s a cornerstone of our economy:
- The sector contributed an economic output of $68.3 Billion in 2024, comprising 8% of Washington state GDP.
- Nearly 276,000 people work in manufacturing employed by 7K manufacturers, earning on average $114,639 annually, among the highest manufacturing annual earnings in the country.
- Our state is home to a diverse mix of industries, from aerospace and wood products to food processing and advanced manufacturing.
At the same time, manufacturers face pressing challenges. Businesses across Washington are competing for talent, navigating workforce shortages and the need to continually upskill employees to keep pace with new technologies. Building a resilient workforce is no longer an option – it is essential for long-term competitiveness.
An Opportunity to Get Involved
That’s why Manufacturing Month matters. It’s an opportunity to:
- Inspire the next generation of makers and innovators by highlighting career opportunities.
- Strengthen the workforce through training and upskilling programs.
- Showcase innovation by opening doors to advanced technologies that improve efficiency and resilience.
- Bring communities together to celebrate the impact of manufacturing across Washington.
We are proud to support manufacturers year-round, but October gives us a special moment to spotlight their contributions and help spark new conversations about the future of the industry.
Register for Manufacturing Month Events
Here is the list of events we’re hosting as part of Manufacturing Month. We invite you to join us, connect with peers and take part in shaping the manufacturing industry in Washington.
- Smart Manufacturing Forums - October 23rd and 29th: Half-day events in Tacoma and Everett featuring expert presentations, practical discussions with peers and networking. Explore how advanced technologies can improve efficiency, strengthen resilience and prepare manufacturers for the future.
- Clark County Workshops - October 8th, 15th and 29th: Hands-on sessions covering Lean practices, Supply Chain management and CMMC cybersecurity readiness. These workshops are designed to help manufacturers strengthen operations, improve efficiency and stay compliant.
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing Workshops - October 8-9th & 27-28th: A series of online trainings on Internal Auditing for Food Safety, Implementing SQF Systems and IHA Basic HACCP. These courses equip food and beverage manufacturers with the tools to meet GFSI standards and build confidence in compliance.
- AWB’s Annual Manufacturing Week Bus Tour - October 1st - 8th: The Manufacturing Week bus tour showcases Washington’s vibrant manufacturing sector, highlighting the innovation and economic contributions of local manufacturers and the diverse range of industries that fuel this robust economic sector—from mint flavoring and agriculture to metal fabrication and pharmaceuticals.