Spokane Valley manufacturer among finalists for Washington’s employer of the year

A Spokane Valley manufacturer has been named among three finalists for Washington’s employer of the year for its creative job retention programs.

Wagstaff Inc. will be recognized at an Association of Washington Business event Nov. 28 in Seattle that honors 20 companies across the state. The final winner of the award will be announced at that time.

Wagstaff builds custom industrial equipment for aluminum producers. With more than 400 employees worldwide, the 72-year-old company strives to be an employer of choice in the Spokane area and in the global aluminum industry, according to a news release.

Besides health insurance, Wagstaff offers employees programs for financial and physical wellness, continuing education and professional development. Employees have access to a personal trainer and an on-site gym. They can reduce their health care costs by reporting workouts and improving their biometrics.

The company also works with local high schools and vocational programs to promote careers in manufacturing.

Wagstaff works with companies around the world that transform molten aluminum into solid shapes for processing into everyday products such as cans, foil and airplane bodies.

Four other area companies also will be honored.

The McGregor Co., a 135-year-old Colfax business, was earlier named manufacturer of the year and will receive its award at the December event. The company sells seed, fertilizer and equipment to growers in Washington, Idaho and Oregon, and works on agricultural research.

Pearson Packaging Systems earlier received the manufacturing excellence and innovation award and will be recognized in December.

Avista Corp. and Inland Empire Paper Co., are both finalists for an award that recognizes business practices to protect the environment.

This story was updated to clarify that Wagstaff is one of three finalists for employer of the year.