The 2026 edition of the Association of Washington Business’ Manufacturing Week bus tour had one of its second-day stops at Filson, one of Seattle’s oldest continuously operating manufacturers, as well as at Boeing’s 737 production line in Everett.
Filson was founded in 1897, finding a niche in outfitting prospectors headed north for the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska. Today, it continues to manufacture outdoor apparel, including its iconic Mackinaw plaid wool jacket, from its factory and flagship store in downtown Seattle’s SODO district. The factory’s street-facing windows give passersby a look at the workers who sew together pieces with buttons and zippers. On site, there are 22 manufacturing employees.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the talent and skill of the operators who have been working here for a long time,” said Jared Danioth, Filson’s factory manager, in a recent AWB release spotlighting its latest tour stop…