Local company honored with statewide manufacturing award

The McGregor Company was honored as the Manufacturer of the Year in the state of Washington by the Association of Washington Business (AWB) during a presentation at the company’s Ritzville location on Oct. 10.

“[This recognition] is very positive to have people from around our state gain an understanding about the importance of agriculture and the role farm families play in our state’s economy,” said Alex McGregor, chairman of the board of directors for The McGregor Company. “We as a company are delighted to have them come join us so we can share that important story.”

McGregor also serves as managing general partner of McGregor Land & Livestock, a 135-year-old eastern Washington family wheat, alfalfa, barley and livestock ranch. Before going to work at his family farm, McGregor earned his bachelor’s degree from Whitman College and his master’s degree and PhD from the University of Washington. He also taught as a history professor at both UW and Whitman College and has authored several books about the history of agriculture in the Pacific Northwest.

Employees from The McGregor Company spoke at the presentation to discuss successes and challenges they have faced, as well as how they continue to innovate in a changing industry. State Senator, Ritzville citizen and The McGregor Company customer Mark Schoesler was also on hand and recognized by AWB.

The recognition came amidst AWB’s 2018 Manufacturing Week bus tour, as they traveled across and throughout the state over seven days to highlight manufacturing companies and their contributions to Washington’s economy. Earlier this month, Governor Jay Inslee proclaimed October as Careers in Manufacturing Month, noting that the state’s manufacturers account for 12.4 percent of the state’s total economic output.

“Manufacturing exists in every county in the state of Washington,” said AWB President Kris Johnson at the presentation. “They pay great wages and build strong communities. And part of our mission statement ends with ‘economic prosperity throughout the entire state.’ Not just in Puget Sound, not just in Spokane, throughout the entire state.”

The McGregor Company was featured in an AWB television and video campaign in 2016, and one of The McGregor Company commercials was featured during the Gonzaga vs. North Carolina national championship basketball game.

“We have a deep appreciation for The McGregor Company, and Alex specifically,” said Johnson, who noted that McGregor chairs AWB’s Rural Jobs effort.

AWB was formed in 1904 and is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association. The association includes nearly 7,000 members representing 700,000 employees.

The Manufacturer of the Year award will be presented to The McGregor Company at an AWB event later this year in December.