OLYMPIA - The Association of Washington Business is proud to announce Genie Industries and the Infinia Corporation as the 2008 Manufacturers of the Year. These awards honor AWB member manufacturers for their innovations, contribution to their communities, and their commitment to their employees.

Redmond based Genie Industries received the Large Manufacturer of the Year Award (companies with over 500 employees.) Genie is a worldwide leader in the production of lift equipment that remains at the forefront of innovation and quality production — but their customer-focused values keep them grounded. Around the world, customers ask for Genie’s distinctive blue lifts on job sites because of the company’s uncompromising service and support. All these factors, plus Genie’s commitment to a high quality workforce, made it a deserving recipient of AWB’s Large Manufacturer of the Year Award. 

Kennewick’s Infinia Corporation received AWB’s Small Manufacturer of the Year (companies with fewer than 500 employees). Washington state has always been known for its power generating capabilities, but Infinia Corporation is creating new power generating technology that does everything from prolonging the life of heart patients to deep space exploration for NASA. Infinia’s work can potentially revolutionize residential power and heating. With talented, well trained people, good ideas and the ability to bring it all together to create marketable products, is some of the reason why they are AWB’s Small Manufacturer of the Year.

“We’re proud to honor these successful, innovative manufacturers,” says AWB President Don Brunell. “Their global reach and corporate involvement in our state testify to the vitality and strength of Washington manufacturing.”

AWB is Washington's oldest and largest statewide business association. Formed in 1904, its 6,600 members employ more than 650,000 workers. AWB also is the state's chamber of commerce and the umbrella organization for more than 130 trade and professional organizations. While AWB's membership includes the state’s major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, more than 85 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people, and one-third of our members hire fewer than 10.

From Left to Right: Brad Carlson, AWB Chairman of the Board; Steve Walter, Group Vice President of Human Resources and Administration at Genie Industries; Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire.