Manufacturing Leaders Gather for Kent Valley Air & Space Round Table

On a crisp recent morning, manufacturing executives from across the region converged at Out of the Box Manufacturing headquarters to participate in the Kent Valley Air & Space Manufacturing Round Table. The event served as a strategic forum for leaders to tackle shared challenges, identify growth opportunities, and chart a collective path forward for the aerospace and space manufacturing ecosystem in South King County.

The Round Table brought together executives, innovators, and sector advocates with a singular purpose: to strengthen collaboration across a region that has quietly become one of the nation’s most vibrant hubs for advanced manufacturing, supporting aerospace and space companies.

Allison Budvarson, COO of Out of the Box Manufacturing said, “I am honored to be part of thisincredible group of executives! And our industry partners have been fantasticto network with. I am filled with hope and expectation for what the futureholds.”

What Happened at the Round Table

During the gathering, industry decision-makers discussed the most pressing operational and strategic issues facing their organizations.While the event was intentionally designed as a collaborative dialogue rather than a public summit, key themes emerged:

• Cross-company problem solving: Leaders shared real-world challenges from workforce constraints to supply chain bottlenecks and explored potential solutions that could be co-developed or coordinated across companies.
• Opportunity identification: The aerospace and space supply chain is dynamic and expanding. Participants highlighted areas where the local manufacturing base can capture more work, especially in specialized components, assemblies, and test-ready systems.
• Network building: The connections made, sometimes between companies that had never worked directly together, are as important as any single discussion topic. Executives reported plans to continue conversations and form sub-groups on topics such as workforce development and innovation investment.

Why ItMatters: The Rising Importance of Kent Valley Manufacturing

Kent Valley, part of the greater Seattle metropolitan region, is home to a high concentration of industrial and aerospace-focused enterprises, from global OEMs to niche suppliers and manufacturing service providers. This density is not accidental.

Recent economic development analysis highlights why the region is attractive to advanced manufacturers:

• Strategic location: Excellent access to transportation corridors, ports, and a strong regional supplier base make Kent Valley logistically compelling.
• Skilled workforce: There is a deep pool of experienced engineers, technicians, and production specialists in the Puget Sound region, complemented by robust trade and technical education pathways.
• Manufacturing heritage: Historically rooted in aerospace supply chains, the region has built a culture of precision, reliability, and innovation.

The Round Table tapped into this foundation by creating a space where industry can collectively accelerate its competitive edge rather than remain siloed.

Why Collaboration Yields Strategic Value

Manufacturing today isn’t simply about production; it’s about resilience, adaptability, and strategic foresight. Events like the RoundTable offer several tangible benefits:

1. Shared Solutions for SharedPain Points

Whether it’s rising material costs or tightening labor markets, many manufacturers in the region face common business issues. Round tables like this turn conversation into action.

2. Regional Strength BecomesCompetitive Advantage

The aerospace and space sectors are global in nature. By strengthening local networks, companies in Kent Valley can offer customers a more reliable, integrated supply chain—one that can outcompete distant alternatives.

3. Making the Invisible Visible

Despite hosting hundreds of aerospace and space-related firms, the region’s manufacturing prowess often flies under the radar. Roundtables help amplify awareness and signal to investors, educators, and economic developers that this cluster is vibrant and mission-critical.

Recommendationsfor the Next Phase

To build on the momentum of the Round Table and keep theregion economically dynamic, here are key recommendations:

1. Formalize OngoingCollaboration

Establish a recurring forum, quarterly or semi-annually, that includes not only executives but also workforce partners, educators, and public-sector allies. This will allow issues identified at one meeting to evolve into projects and policy engagement.

2. Develop Workforce Pathways

Work with local schools, communitycolleges, and training programs to build career ladders in aerospace manufacturing. A shared skills pipeline helps companies grow without competingdestructively for the same talent.

3. Promote Cross-SupplierCertification Programs

Work collectively to certify suppliers against common standards (e.g., AS9100) to reduce barriers for smaller firms and increase the overall capacity of the regional ecosystem.

4. Coordinate Supply ChainMapping

Leverage data to map the region’sstrengths and gaps. This may involve identifying where dependencies exist orwhere clustering could be optimized to capture more high-value work.

5. Expand Visibility andAdvocacy

Elevate success stories andregional assets through joint marketing — demonstrating to customers, prospects, and policymakers that Kent Valley is a powerhouse for aerospace andspace manufacturing.

Looking Ahead

The Kent Valley Air & Space Manufacturing Round Table was more than a meeting; it was a declaration that collaboration can be a strategic asset in industrial growth. As regional manufacturers work together on shared challenges and collectively invest in the future, Kent Valley’s aerospace and space ecosystem will not just persevere; it will thrive.