The Washington County Industry Development Authority, known locally as Washington County IDA (WCIDA) celebrated Manufacturing Day 2023 throughout the month of October. IDA Consulting Director, Jaclyn Rowe, visited manufacturers, offered tokens of appreciation, gathered important insight and promoted resources to better serve their growth efforts.

“Manufacturing is an evolving field where creativity, technology, and problem-solving come together. It was truly a privilege to visit 19 of our facilities and discover the unique products, amazing people and opportunities we have right here in Washington County,” said Mrs. Rowe.

Washington County is home to more than 20 manufacturers representing a variety of industries.  While WCIDA works to attract new business, it is simultaneously dedicated to the retention and expansion of local manufacturers and would like to highlight their achievements:

B&C Metalswww.BandCMetal.com – Owners Don and Jody Laramore have been producing metal products and serving Southeast Missouri since 1983 and currently employ 7 workers. 40 years in family-owned and operated business is a tremendous accomplishment and their contributions to our community is appreciated. 

Buckman Laboratorieswww.buckman.com – This global company is owned and operated by Buckman and headquartered in Memphis, TN. The Cadet, MO manufacturing plant is currently under the direction of Gregg Rainbolt and employs approximately 40 workers.  Buckman produces algaecide used in pool water maintenance and other chemicals for paper industry products. 

Cain Pallet – www.facebook.com/cainpallet – In business for over 25 years, this family-owned and grown company has been a county manufacturing staple. They make pallets and supplies for companies like Redwing Shoe Company, Boeing, Nike and many others.  Day to day production is overseen by Patsy Moss. 

Central Stone – www.centralstone.com – Central Stone Company is a regional owner of 24 quarry operations in Missouri and Illinois.  Gina Sims is the scale operator at the Potosi Quarry location which employs 5 people.  Central Stone produces limestone gravel products and asphalt.  

Custom Cabinets – 573.210.4150 –  Lifelong resident of Washington County and master craftsman, Fran Pashia, has produced custom cabinetry and furniture since 1991.  He currently employs one helper at his Cadet facility.  

Duffield Aggregates of Missouri – 573.438.7342 – Headquartered in Russellville, AR, Duffield Aggregates acquired Washington County Aggregates in May of 2023. The quarry produces state approved crushed limestone, concrete mixes and gravel products and currently employs 9 workers.

Eagle Cabinets – Established in 1999, Eagle Cabinets produces residential and commercial cabinets and furniture pieces.  The Cadet, MO facility houses a design showroom and large workshop.  Doug Short is the Manager of Design and Sales and the company currently has 3 employees.

Edg-Clif Vineyard Winery & Brewerywww.edg-clif.com – Since 2008, the historic Edg-Clif Farm has transformed to Edg-Clif Vineyard, Winery and Brewery.  Sisters Steffie (Knapp) Littlefield and Cyndy (Knapp) Keesee own and operate the business with their families and now produce 18 wines and 10 styles of craft beers.  The property also features a wedding venue, three short-term rental properties and is currently undergoing renovations and expansion. Depending on the season, they provide work for up to 9 people.

H2O Technologieswww.h2otechs.com – As producer of the LaRue Artesian Spring Water brand, private label bottled water and bulk water, H2O is quickly becoming a premier water bottling company in Missouri serving many local businesses and building national brands.  President and CEO, Chris McCaul, began the process of transporting water from a perfect spring on the family farm to a production facility in the Industrial Park in 2019.  The rapidly growing business now employs 24 workers.

Harbison Lumber – 573.436.8127 – Harbison Lumber, known commonly as Harbison Sawmill, was established in 1991 by owner Chris Harbison. The company manufactures wood products, currently employs 30 workers and is located at 10018 South Racetrack Road in Mineral Point.  

Jaycee Dental Creationswww.jaycdc.com – Founded in 2013, Jaycee Dental Creations uses advanced technology to manufacture fixed and removable restorative dental solutions as well as implants.  This growing company uses the most innovative technology and materials to produce high quality products and currently has 7 employees.

Midwest Textiles and Supplieswww.midwest-textiles.com – The most recent addition to the Washington County Industrial Park, Midwest Textiles and Supplies is owned by Larry Pratte and manufactures quilting products and quilt kits in their 150,000 square foot facility. They are also one of the largest distributors of embroidery supplies in the United States and currently employ 47 workers.

Miller’s Feed – www.facebook.com/millersfeedpotosi – Miller’s Feed is a local manufacturer of animal feeds and fertilizers. Owner, David Miller, is carrying on the family feed business legacy which began in 1949. Millers is currently able to wholesale feed to 5 other locations, is experiencing growth and is actively seeking expansion. They currently employ 7 workers. 

Miracle Marinewww.miraclemarinejets.com – Miracle Marine, owned by Curtis Dzuba, has been manufacturing custom aluminum jet boats specializing in landing crafts, since 2000.  Their boats have been featured on AXMEN and the History Channel and sponsorships include brands like Mercury, Suzuki, Kodiak Marine Products and American Turbine. The company employs 9 workers. 

Old Village Mercantile – oldvillagemercantile.com – Old Village Mercantile, located in the heart of the Village of Caledonia, began manufacturing handmade premium artisan ice cream in 2016.  The award winning ice cream is now made in a commercial kitchen, hand-dipped for customers at the Mercantile, and also distributed. The ice cream is handcrafted by 2 creative and dedicated employees and served by 25 team members.

Politte Ready Mix – www.politteconcrete.net – Established in 1973, Politte Ready Mix is a leading producer of ready-mixed concrete and manufacturer of concrete septic tanks. Serving both residential and commercial customers, the company currently employs 10 workers at their Potosi plant. 

Purcell Tire & Rubber Company – www.purcelltire.com – Serving the tire industry for over 80 years, Purcell Tire & Rubber Company is proudly headquartered in downtown Potosi. The 100,000 square foot retread facility is the largest in the world. The growing company currently employs more than 120 workers.

Red Wing Shoes – www.redwingshoes.com – Red Wing Boots have been handcrafted since 1905 and the Potosi facility has been making shoes for over 25 years. Currently, the company is focused on innovation and the ramping up of their very popular global line; Red Wing Heritage Boots. The Potosi location employs 223 workers.  

Reed Lumber Company – 573.438.2994 – Reed Lumber Company, located West of Potosi on Highway 8, is a county staple. They make pallets distributed throughout Missouri and many parts of the United States and currently employ 56 workers. 

TNT Machining and Fabrication – www.tntfab.com – Located in the Washington County Industrial Park, TNT is part of the ACME Constructors family and provides steel fabrication and machining services to a wide variety of clients.  Operating in a total of 38,000 square feet, the facility employs approximately 25 workers. 

Webster Fabric – www.websterfabric.com – Webster Fabric, located in the Washington County Industrial Park, is a manufacturer of Poly-Pro Twill fabric used for professional sports jerseys and embroidery.  They provide premium fabric to all major uniform manufacturing companies and leading lettering manufacturers. Currently, the Potosi plant employs 9 workers.

Together, these manufacturers employ over 650 workers and are key contributors to the local economy. Their commitment to community, innovation, and growth is worthy of recognition. The IDA encourages county residents to explore the websites listed above and to search these hashtags on Facebook @washingtoncountyindustrialdevelopmentauthority for more information and pictures: #washingtoncomo, #creatorswanted, #mfgday2023.