Westbury, Inc. — a developer of safety and security barrier systems for use on airport tarmacs, theme parks and a variety of other outdoor installations — will be establishing its first manufacturing plant on the Kitsap Peninsula before year-end. The company was founded in Seattle in 2004, and over the next two years it anticipates employing more than 100 persons as the company transitions from product development to sales and production.
When the doors open, it will signify the completion of an infrequent event on the Kitsap Peninsula — the recruitment of a new company from outside the defense contracting arena. Getting this company to determine that Kitsap was the right location choice, and helping them get operational, has involved dozens of local individuals from business and government.
Here’s an abbreviated progression of the six-month process, and the number of persons assisting with each step:
KEDA staff meets Westbury CEO at export forum and during pre-event conversation, learns of company’s intent to establish manufacturing operation in King County. During ensuing conversation, CEO subsequently agrees to review a comparative business case for Kitsap County from KEDA. (1 KEDA staff)
KEDA develops information package on workforce demographics and sample wages; employment and training assistance; business financing; manufacturing locations and costs; product transportation; taxes and incentives; utilities; and business support services. (3 KEDA staff; 5 information contacts)
KEDA meets with CEO in Seattle and makes presentation. CEO subsequently agrees to return to Kitsap the next week for business facility tours, and meeting with workforce education and training experts from Olympic College and Kitsap Work Source Center. (KEDA staff; 7 real estate contacts; 2 workforce contacts)
During follow-up call, CEO asks to learn more about federal financing program enabled by Kitsap local government. A meeting is arranged between CEO and business loan contact with Seattle Regional Office of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). (1 HUD finance specialist).
CEO returns to Kitsap with two other members of management team to revisit two manufacturing locations (2 real estate contacts).
Following more information exchanges and meetings between Westbury and KEDA in Seattle, CEO determines he will locate manufacturing at Twelve Trees Industrial Park (2 ownership/management of business park) in North Kitsap, contingent upon securing the federal business loan. KEDA arranges CEO presentation to Kitsap County Block Grant Program staff (4 staff members attend), through whom the application is made and loan proceeds will flow through a three-party transaction. CEO subsequently meets individually with each county commissioner to provide background on company and plans (3 commissioners) and KEDA Board Chairman Jim Carmichael.
Westbury enters into a first-source employee recruitment and screening agreement with Kitsap Work Source. CEO and management team present project to Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council Executive Board, which must approve the request to apply. Board unanimously approves application subject to financial review. (4 KRCC and County staff, 9 local elected officials, 2 financial consultants).
Upon completion of financial review, application again presented to KRCC Executive Board (6 KEDA Board members testify in support); and county commissioners (3 additional KEDA Board members speak in support).
Application submitted by Kitsap County to HUD, where it currently is in process. (regional HUD staff; unknown number of HUD staff in D.C.)
To this point, more than 50 persons have provided direct assistance on this business recruitment in addition to many more KEDA board members and support staff with various Kitsap entities. Westbury management also has been contacting prospective suppliers in Kitsap County. The number will continue to grow until the loan closes and the business is operational at Twelve Trees.
Having worked on many business recruitment projects over the years, I can tell you it is almost always a team sport. Successful communities have public and private leaders alike at the same table, so they are prepared for the opportunities and work together to realize them.
Nearly every person who assisted with Westbury is a member of the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, directly or through association. Westbury management says they plan to join. You are needed on this team, too.
