Manufacturing Shines at the 12th Annual Made In Redmond Tour

Redmond recently celebrated its vibrant manufacturing sector with the 12th Annual Made In Redmond Tour, an insightful event that showcased four local trades industries and underscored manufacturing's vital impact on the local economy. While National Manufacturing Day is typically observed in the fall, Redmond proudly recognized its own Manufacturing Day on June 13th,bringing together community members and industry leaders.

As the region's manufacturing hub, Redmond's contributions are substantial. The sector accounts for over 1,770 jobs within the city as of2023, representing over 26 percent of all manufacturing jobs in Deschutes County. The city has seen impressive growth, with employment in manufacturing expanding by 11.5% from 2019-2023, and real total wages paid in the sector skyrocketing by a remarkable 37% in the same period.

Over 100 attendees participated in this year's tour, which concluded with a casual lunch and networking session. The event provided a unique opportunity to explore diverse industries ranging from aviation and welding to pressure-sensitive labels and auto parts manufacturing.

The tour featured immersive stops at four pioneering local companies:

BASX: Pioneering HVAC & Cleanroom Solutions

Attendees were given a firsthand look at BASX's state-of-the-art Weld Shop, where a robotic laser welding arm demonstrated how technology enhances efficiency and safety in the finishing welding process. Since its inception in 2014, BASX has been a leader in engineered HVAC Systems and cleanroom solutions. Now operating 24/7 across five national locations, including a new site in Memphis, Tennessee, BASX has grown to employ over 900people. Despite national expansion, BASX remains deeply committed to its Redmond roots, providing meaningful jobs and career opportunities that contribute significantly to the local economy.

Smith Brothers Push Rods & Tiger Tugs: Precision and Power

At Smith Brothers Push Rods, guests discovered the meticulous craft of custom pushrod manufacturing. Since 1953, Smith Bros. Pushrods has been building superior quality pushrods for a wide array of vehicles, from NASCAR performance engines to everyday drivers. The company specializes in machining complex parts with tight dimensional tolerances, utilizing 17 CNC machines and various post-machining processes. This stop also offered a bonus highlight: Tiger Tugs, the Redmond-made helicopter tugs, showcasing another facet of local innovation.

The DeLeone Corporation: Unpacking Labels and Purpose

The DeLeone Corporation provided a fascinating insight into the world of pressure-sensitive labels. Attendees learned the crucial difference between a "sticker" and a "label." As Theresa McGrath explained, "A sticker is used for marketing purposes. A label is used to convey important information." This distinction highlighted the precision and critical function of labels in various industries.

RDD Enterprises: Advancing Aviation

RDD Enterprises, a premier aviation group, captivated guests with its rich aviation heritage and dedication to the experimental aircraft community. RDD, standing for Research, Design, and Develop, strives for perfection in creating the most efficient, elegant, and desirable aviation products. The team's extensive experience spans research, design, development, modification, fabrication, and construction of both experimental and certified aircraft. Guests were particularly impressed to learn that white planes are easiest to spot in the sky, and that the LX7 plane stands out due to its innovative fuel technology integrated into the aircraft's wingspan.

A particularly exciting revelation from the event's survey was that approximately one-third of attendees were first-time participants. This outcome perfectly aligns with the event's core mission: to educate the community about economic development and the vital roles trades companies play in creating jobs, building wealth, and fostering prosperity within Redmond.

The success of this year's tour has already set the stage for next year. We look forward to seeing you at the Made In Redmond Tour in 2026!

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