How two Washington companies are remaking "Made in America"

From Rosie the Riveter to the Rust Belt steelworker, the idea of “Made in America” is iconic. And while American manufacturing has had its ups and downs, since 2019 the number of U.S. manufacturing establishments has risen more than 11 percent – and two Washington companies are part of the surge.

Precision Cutting Technologies (PCT) and Aluminum Products Company (APCO), two Spokane-based manufacturers, recently joined forces through a shared ownership agreement that enables them to leverage personnel, equipment, a customer base and nearly 125 collective years of know-how.

PCT makes everything from outdoor fire pits to rubber chocolate molds – if their customer can dream it, they can probably do it. APCO specializes in large metal structures, such as gas station canopies for the country’s most well-known warehouse club store (next time you gas up, you can thank them for sheltering you from the rain).

By joining forces, they’re forging a bigger impact in their communities and beyond. Their shared ownership includes two other Washington manufacturers, and together they’re working to create a one-stop, end-to-end operation that can do everything from engineering to manufacturing and installation. It’s a vision that leverages each company’s strengths to produce more, faster, which in turn makes each company more competitive.

“We’re trying to build a new roadmap for American manufacturing,” said Ben Nicholson, one of the group’s managing partners. “This is just the beginning. The goal is to keep companies and jobs in their communities, while allowing them to have a bigger footprint regionally and globally.”

Recent numbers back his vision, with a slow but steady rise of manufacturing jobs in Washington alone: In 2023, the state added 5,100 new manufacturing jobs, reflecting broader industry growth.

“I’ve been involved in serving PCT since they first became a Banner client more than 20 years ago and now the relationship also includes APCO,” said Michelle Wickwire, Senior Commercial Relationship Manager. “It’s very rewarding to watch a business evolve and grow.”