SmaK Products Grows Workforce in North Idaho

SmaK Products Inc., subsidiary of SmaK plastics, the maker of rotationally molded plastic solutions, is growing its North Idaho workforce. Currently, 18 full-time staffers work for SmaK Products. The company expects that number to swell to the high 30s or low 40s by the second quarter of 2018. In early 2018, SmaK Products plans to roll out its line of commercial-grade cleaning items, such as cleaning equipment for carpets, upholstery, automotive detailing and different styles of cleaning wands. Read the Spokane Journal of Business article or visit http://smakplastics.com to learn more.

NIC Global Manufacturing Solutions Opens Warehouse in Pullman

NIC Global Manufacturing Solutions, the Woodinville, Wash.-based sheet metal manufacturer, has opened a new warehouse facility in Pullman, which will enable it to better supply long-time client Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc. The Pullman facility is a 6,000-square-foot leased space within an existing building. Over the next few years, the sheet metal manufacturer expects to add fabrication capabilities in Pullman. To learn more, read the Spokane Journal of Business article.

Orgill to Expand Workforce in Post Falls

Orgill, provider of wholesale distribution and retail services for the home improvement industry, will use a $151,032 Workforce Development Training Fund grant to hire and train 167 new workers for permanent, full-time positions at its Post Falls distribution center. Training will vary depending on the position, but will include inventory control training, logistic training and hazcom training certification. Learn more in the Coeur d’Alene Press article or at labor.idaho.gov/WDTF.

27 Megawatt Solar Farm Planned for Adams County

Development of a large-scale solar farm is underway in Adams County. Called the Adams-Nielson Solar Project, it will generate up to 27 megawatts of energy. Strata Solar, a family-owned solar energy company based out of North Carolina, is overseeing development of the $30 million project. The design phase will last until April and construction
is scheduled to take place from April
to September. It will take about 50-75 employees to install the solar panels. For more information, contact the Adams County Development Council.

Tri County Economic Development District Launches New Mobile App

Tri County Economic Development District (TEDD) launched Northeast Washington Insider, a mobile app that rewards people for exploring Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties.
Users of the free app can earn points by simply visiting places in the region, including a multitude of outdoor recreation destinations; retail, food and beverage, and lodging locations; and heritage sites. Points can then be redeemed for goods or services at local businesses. The app was created using the 468 Insider platform from 468 Communications with funding from Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties as well as the Cities of Colville, Chewelah, Republic and Newport. This project has been made possible with partnerships spanning Northeast Washington.
Learn more at http://tricountyedd.com.

Alliance Data Systems Continues to Grow in Coeur d'Alene

Continued employment growth at the Alliance Data Systems Corp. Coeur d’Alene complex could make it one of the top five largest employers in Kootenai County by year-end. The Coeur d’Alene center had 610 employees as of late August and anticipates it will approach 750 employees yet this year.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Alliance Data is a leading provider of tailored marketing and loyalty solutions, delivered through branded credit programs. The Coeur d’Alene customer care center provides support for many of Alliance Data’s more than 145 credit programs representing many of the world’s most recognizable brands.

Contact the Coeur d’Alene Economic Development Corporation or visit www.alliancedata.com to learn more.

Hotstart Expanding into Overseas Markets

Hotstart, a leader in diesel engine heating solutions, is expanding into target markets overseas, which, along with increased sales opportunities, has brought many new internal developments. Currently, 25 percent of the company’s business comes from foreign markets. International trade as part of Hotstart’s portfolio has made positive contributions in the number of jobs available at the company and has increased innovations and critical thinking strategies to solve customers’ requests. It even allowed the company to add new product lines for marine, generator and natural gas solutions.

To learn more, read the Greater Spokane Incorporated article.