EVERETT — Local and state politicians sounded Snohomish County’s horn Tuesday as they welcomed the newest aerospace company, Korry Electronics, to Paine Field.
A division of Bellevue-based Esterline Corp., Korry opened its new 216,000-square-foot facility Tuesday, just 18 months after announcing its plan to move from its Seattle location. The manufacturer of cockpit controls and displays, Korry is a supplier for the Boeing Co. and Airbus.
“One year ago we broke ground,” said Dan McFeeley, Korry president. “One year later, we’re here.”
McFeeley credited the county for its swift permitting process and business-friendly attitude as reasons Korry selected the site over others in the region.
Korry’s enthusiasm for the county is exactly the sentiment that Aaron Reardon, Snohomish County executive, is promoting as the county tries to convince its largest employer, Boeing, to add a second production line for its 787 Dreamliner here. Boeing recently filed preliminary permits in South Carolina to expand its newly acquired 787 factory.
But “we are the most competitive place to do business in the entire country,” Reardon said on Tuesday.
Gov. Chris Gregoire also touted the county’s and state’s ability to compete for new aerospace business, saying that Washington has been recognized as one of the strongest states in the nation to leave the recession by Moody’s economic consulting.
“We make a lot of great airplanes in Washington state,” Gregoire said. “And we’re going to make a whole lot more.”
Many of Korry’s roughly 600 employees were on hand Tuesday to tour the spacious new facility. Seated in a new office chair, Jenny Truong, who has been with the company about 18 months, said she’ll continue to work for Korry despite her new commute from south Seattle.
For Roy Griffith, a 35-year employee, the new building at Paine Field means a quick commute from his Bothell home.
“I can’t wait to move up here,” he said.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
