(Medline Renewal, a medical device re-processing company, is expanding by doubling their existing space in Redmond | Photo by Timothy Park)
In this fourth quarter of 2020, there is quite a bit of moving and shaking going on in the manufacturing sector. Here is a listing of some of the manufacturing companies that are either relocating into Central Oregon from other areas, are new businesses or are expanding their existing operations. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, but rather a sampling of some of the movement happening in the region.
In Redmond — Source: Jon Stark, senior director, Redmond Economic Development Inc.
- i3DMFG — Contract manufacturer that makes parts for various industries (medical, military, firearms, etc.); preparing to open a new space on Lake Road in Redmond, moving here from The Dalles.
- BasX Solutions — Manufacturer of high-efficiency cooling systems and solutions in Redmond; adding 75,000 square feet to its existing facility.
- Medline Renewal — Medical device re-processor; expanding by doubling their existing space.
- We’re The Wurst — Formerly a bratwurst/sausage food truck business in Bend; now going into full-scale manufacturing and opening a facility in Redmond.
In Bend — Source: Don Myll, Bend Area director, Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO)
- BMS Technologies — Mailing, printing, online bill paying and software solutions; constructed a new 30,000-square-foot production facility in Juniper Ridge*.
- Brian’s Cabinets — Custom cabinet manufacturer; constructing new 20,000-square-foot production facility in Empire Industrial area.
- Picky Bars — Makes and distributes gluten- and dairy-free energy bars for extreme athletes; expanding by raising capital to fuel company’s growth.
- SmartyPits — Personal care products manufacturer specializing in aluminum-free deodorant; moving into new 6,000-square-foot production facility in central Bend after relocating from California.
- Thuren Suspension Technology — Off-road vehicle suspension manufacturer; expanded by constructing 6,000-square-foot production facility in Juniper Ridge*.
- Lonza (formerly Bend Research) — Contract development and manufacturing for the biotech industry; expanded by building new production facilities on the Lonza campus in NW Bend.
- NanoMetrics — Manufactures optical process control and measurement devices for semiconductor and other high-technology industries; expanded production facilities.
* Juniper Ridge, at the corner of Cooley Road and Highway 97 — 500 acres of city-owned land now earmarked for industrial use.
In Sisters — Source: Caprielle A. Lewis, Sisters Area director, EDCO
- Holy Kakow — A premium coffee shop supplier of organic chocolate sauces and coffee syrups, will co-occupy just over 5,000 square feet of a brand new 13,426-square-foot spec building in Sun Ranch Business Park, a mixed-use district in Sisters.
- Nechville Banjos — Founder Tom Nechville recently relocated to Sisters from Bloomington, Minnesota; has purchased building and plans to open retail and light-assembly location in downtown Sisters, a block away from the headquarters (production facility) of Preston Thompson Guitars.
- The recent City Council approval to rezone 15 acres of private land within the city limits to light industrial is attracting additional manufacturers to Sisters, primarily in the natural products and outdoor industries, as well as expansion of local specialty food and beverage companies. These projects will develop new workforce opportunities for the Sisters community and region in the next several years.
In Prineville — Source: Kelsey Lucas, Prineville/Crook County director, EDCO
- Top Dog Fabrications — A startup operation as of July, focusing on CNC plasma, commercial metalwork, TIG/MIG welding and CAD/CAM designing. This is a husband-and-wife team that relocated from Western Oregon.
