Inside the 13th Annual Made In Redmond Tour

Guests didn’t just read about the impact of developing athriving regional economy, they experienced it firsthand.

When you ask someone to define "Economic Development," there is usually a long pause. It is a complex answer. At its core, economic development is the intentional act of growing our community by recruiting and supporting traded-sector companies — the businesses that manufacture products to sell outside of our region. This brings new wealth directly into Redmond, creating middle- to high-income wages that allow workers to buy homes, purchase vehicles, and support our local commercial and retail businesses, all while strengthening our community’s tax base.

For 13 years, Redmond Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) has hosted the Made In Redmond Tour to pull back the curtain on these diverse, powerhouse companies. This year, 113 eager tourgoers loaded onto buses to get a rare, inside look at the daily production lines of four exceptional local makers.

Here is a glimpse into the incredible facilities we visited this year:

• Fuel  Safe Systems: A 35-year-old veteran-owned manufacturer that designs  and builds high-performance safety fuel systems used globally across  motorsports, aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. From a single facility housing engineering, manufacturing, and quality control, they use advanced materials and rigorous in-house craftsmanship to protect people and critical equipment in high-risk environments.
• Hayden  Homes / Simplicity Homes Support Center: Since 1989, Hayden Homes has  focused on building high-quality, attainable homes across the Pacific Northwest while deeply investing in local economies through initiatives like their "Give As You Go" program. Their complementary brand, Simplicity, extends this mission by offering streamlined, affordable solutions for customers looking to build quality homes on their own land.
• Springer  Precision: Built by passionate competitive shooters, Springer Precision operates a full in-house CNC machine shop to design and manufacture precision-engineered firearm components and accessories. Their dedication to innovation, craftsmanship, and strict quality standards ensures peak performance and reliability for both enthusiasts and professionals.
• Bend  Teardrop: Founded in 2015, this family-owned company designs and builds custom, ultralight teardrop camping trailers. What began as a personal project to improve the founders' own camping experiences has grown organically into a thriving business that blends hands-on craftsmanship with thoughtful customization to make outdoor adventures simple and accessible.

After exploring the production floors, guests gathered for a casual lunch and a lively Q&A session with company leaders. Industry executives opened up about the specific skills they look for when hiring, their future expansion goals, and the realities of manufacturing today.

Economic development isn’t for the faint of heart. A single business recruitment or expansion project can take two, three, five, or even ten years to finally open its doors. Much patience and true grit come with the territory.

To the 113 community members, leaders, and partners who took time out of their busy routines to gain a new perspective on Redmond—thank you. We hope you walked away with a fresh appreciation of what makes Redmond a fantastic place to live, work, and play, shaped profoundly by what is made right here in our own backyard.

To learn more about REDI and how we support our localbusiness community, visit rediinfo.com.

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