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OLYMPIA – Washington apples and timber are getting a boost this year thanks to $700,000 in state funds and three corresponding private investments totaling $102 million. That means more economic development and more jobs in two of Washington’s most critical industries.
Governor Bob Ferguson directed the Washington State Department of Commerce to make three awards totaling $700,000 from the Governor’s Economic Development Strategic Reserve Fund (SRF), which will result in at least 270 new jobs.
“These funds, paired with private investment, make Washington’s economy stronger,” Governor Ferguson said. “We are working to expand family-wage jobs and support key industries across our state, especially in rural and underserved communities.”
The Yakima County Development Association received $250,000 to improve site readiness at a new Manzana Products Co. apple products processing plant in Sunnyside.
The Clallam County Economic Development Council will use $200,000 to make infrastructure improvements at the Forks Industrial Park. Riverside Forest Products USA is developing a sawmilling facility at the site.
And Greater Spokane Inc. received $250,000 to help expand a manufacturing facility in Spokane Valley, where Mercer Mass Timber LLC is building an additional assembly space for secondary manufacturing.
Revenue for the SRF comes from unclaimed lottery prize money. The funds are intended to attract and retain jobs and economic investment in Washington, limited to highly strategic projects that deliver significant job creation and capital investment. These projects were considered in partnership with local associate development organizations (ADOs), and they must be accompanied by private investment. The Governor determines awards based on recommendations from Commerce.
"The Strategic Reserve Fund is a key resource for boosting economic growth and keeping Washington an attractive place for businesses," said Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn. "With these funds, we can take care of important infrastructure needs, support local businesses, and create sustainable jobs that benefit our communities across the state."
Manzana’s Sunnyside jobsite back on track
The Yakima County Development Association (YDCA) is investing $250,000 to upgrade a site in Sunnyside for a new apple products processing plant by Manzana Products Co., which will produce organic juices, sauces, and cider vinegar.
The SRF enabled Manzana to move its entire operation to Sunnyside, preserving $43 million in projected investment and at least 50 jobs. The recruitment process for Manzana, originally based in California, took several years with significant support from the YDCA and the Port of Sunnyside.
“We’re excited to move into Washington,” said Manzana CEO Andy Kay. “Being closer to the apple orchards we source from helps us boost efficiency and reduce our environmental impact — key to our commitment to sustainability and community.”
Locating in Yakima County allows Manzana to decrease vehicle emissions, support local farmers, and boost manufacturing capacity to meet demand. Manzana is leasing and developing a 275,895-square-foot facility, formerly Seneca Foods, and will add new equipment such as an applesauce line and vinegar production. Production is set to begin by late 2025, and the facility will serve as Manzana’s new headquarters.
“This expansion is a huge win for the Yakima Valley and Washington,” Nguyễn said. “It brings good jobs and investment to a rural area, strengthens our agricultural and food processing industries, and supports Manzana’s growth using Washington apples.”
The average entry-level salary at the new facility will exceed local wages and include benefits. Local apple growers will also gain from having a stable buyer, further boosting Washington's agricultural economy.
New sawmilling facility coming to Forks
Forks will increase lumber production thanks to a $200,000 award to the Clallam County Economic Development Council. The council will work with Riverside Forest Products USA to improve electrical infrastructure at the Forks Industrial Park, including trenching, conduit installation, and vault placement for power lines at the City of Forks Industrial Park.
“This investment marks a significant win for Forks and will launch a new exciting chapter for the local economy,” said Colleen McAleer, executive director of the Clallam County Economic Development Council.
The facility will produce kiln-dried hemlock and green Douglas fir lumber, which are ready for construction. This lumber will support the Pacific Northwest building market, addressing the demand from construction and renovations. The Clallam County location will also reduce transport costs and support other industries, such as logging and trucking.
The new facility will create about up to 100 family-wage jobs across two phases, offering salaries that are above the average for local wages and benefits.
“We want to thank the Governor for assisting in the West End’s economic revitalization,” Forks Mayor Tim Fletcher said. “This investment will help bring true family wage jobs back to Forks and the West End.”
Riverside Forest Products USA will be a key tenant in the industrial park, and other businesses will benefit from the infrastructure improvements.
“Having this facility land in Forks will provide a significant boost to the local and state economy,” said Nguyễn. “It integrates well with the area’s forest industry history and helps a rural and underserved community. We look forward to supporting Riverside Forest Products USA as they launch their operations.”
Spokane Valley timber manufacturer connects Washington lumber to other states
Greater Spokane Inc. received $250,000 to support Mercer Mass Timber LLC's expansion in Spokane Valley. The funding aided in engineering, permitting, and installing assembly line infrastructure at the secondary manufacturing space.
The SRF award complements a $30 million private investment, expected to create approximately 50 new jobs at the 270,000-square-foot facility.
“This investment ensures our region remains at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and sustainable building innovation,” said Joey Gunning, director of economic development at Greater Spokane Inc. “By supporting Mercer Mass Timber, we are not only securing high-quality local jobs but also strengthening our forest products industry and construction sector supply chains. This project keeps new market opportunities anchored here in our region, creating ripple effects that benefit both rural communities and urban centers across the state.”
Mercer Mass Timber transforms locally sourced wood into engineered products that replace carbon-intensive materials in construction.
According to Mercer representative Brent Olson, the funding is instrumental for Mercer’s innovation and product diversification.
“With this support, we’ve advanced critical certification efforts, unlocked new market opportunities, and laid the foundation for next-generation manufacturing workflows,” Olson said. “These investments enhance our competitive advantage and support sustained job growth and deeper economic impact across the greater Spokane region.”
The expansion enhances Washington’s forestry, manufacturing, and sustainable building sectors, accounting for about 30% of North American mass timber manufacturing capacity. The facility benefits from access to Washington-grown timber and transportation corridors to major markets.
“Retaining this expansion in Spokane Valley adds high-wage manufacturing and engineering positions,” Nguyễn said. “It results in additional private capital investment that supports local economic development and reinforces the state’s forest sector and clean building goals.”
For more information, contact MoreInfo@commerce.wa.gov or the ADO in each region.
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