Seven different manufacturers including Longview Fibre Paper & Packaging were recently honored at the Association of Washington Business’ Manufacturing Awards. The honors were presented in conjunction with the first-ever Inland Manufacturing Expo, sponsored by Greater Spokane Incorporated.
“These seven manufacturers, along with hundreds of others across Washington, are an integral part of our state’s economic recovery effort in terms of the jobs they provide and the innovation they foster, making Washington competitive with companies here and abroad,” said Kris Johnson, Association of Washington Business (AWB) vice president of operations.
Longview Fibre, the only local manufacturer to be named, took home top honors for operational excellence.
According to AWB, the Longview-based manufacturer has completely transformed itself since being acquired by Brookfield Asset Management in 2007, going from a company with questions about its survival, to a growing, profitable business that one analyst said represents the best turnaround case study he has seen in 25 years. Evidence of the turnaround is seen in a significant increase in worker safety, industry-leading environmental practices, significant cost reductions and higher efficiency.
Thanks to a flat organizational structure, Longview Fibre can quickly execute directional adjustments. AWB said the company has found new markets for its products, launched new environmentally-focused products and executed a successful rebranding effort to signal to internal and external audiences that Longview Fibre Paper & Packaging is an evolving company.
AWB represents more than 3,500 small, medium and large manufacturers in Washington State.
