Pendleton, Oregon – Oregon’s manufacturing prowess is set to take center stage during the Oregon Business & Industry’s (OBI) second annual Manufacturing and Innovation Roadshow. Beginning on Monday, October 2, this year’s tour visits three of Oregon’s most recognizable employers across a range from textiles to food manufacturing and distillation.
The day’s journey will commence in Pendleton, where local business leaders, civic figures, and elected officials will gather for a roundtable discussion. Emphasizing innovation, industry issues, and the part manufacturing plays in Oregon’s economic scene, this meeting—co-hosted by the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce—will set the tone for the day.
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The first stop on the schedule is the venerable Pendleton Woolen Mills. Family-owned since 1909, the mill is well-known for its jacquard loomed traditional wool blankets. Unique reversible designs abound in these blankets is a trademark of their complex workmanship. Pendleton is unique not just for its goods but also among just four woolen mills still running in the United States, including a sister facility in Washougal, Washington.
The Roadshow will next head west to the Port of Morrow in Boardman, the location of the Tillamook County Creamery Association’s (TCCA). Celebrating more than twenty years at this site, the TCCA’s facility is evidence of its adaptation to the always rising demand for its cheeses. The factory generates 170 million pounds of cheese annually as well as manages the lactose powder and whey protein concentrate manufacturing, side effects of the cheesemaking operation.
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Hood River Distillers located in Hood River will be the last visit of the day. The oldest and biggest distillery in the Pacific Northwest, it opened in 1934. Originally started to turn extra local fruit into wines and brandies, the distillery today boasts a strong bottling capacity of more over a million cases yearly. With a 400,000 gallon storage capacity, this represents almost 2 million spirit bottles, therefore highlighting the scope and legacy of this ancient institution.
Every stop on the trip emphasizes Oregon’s dedication to innovation and excellence as well as its varied manufacturing capacity. Participants will have direct knowledge of the processes, people, and history defining Oregon’s industrial scene as they go from site to site.
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Interested individuals are encouraged to sign up or obtain further information online in order to take part in this fascinating tour or learn more about the forthcoming destinations on days two and three of the Roadshow.
 second annual Manufacturing and Innovation Roadshow to take place on October 2, 2024){kind=link}