Pyrotek bringing jobs from Mexico to Spokane Valley

A Spokane Valley manufacturer is reversing the flow of skilled jobs, bringing back 20 jobs from a Mexican factory to start a production line here. Pyrotek Inc. is using about $75,000 in state assistance money to hire and train 20 area workers. It will also use another $75,000 in state money to relocate production equipment from Pyrotek’s plant in Apodaca, Mexico. The company makes high-end metal and composite products for customers around the globe. Company Finance Manager Michael Sekedat said state support and the option of using the Spokane Valley site’s “technical and management expertise” helped in the decision. The new production facility will make high-quality ceramic filters used by an industrial customer. Once the equipment is installed and tested, production is expected to begin in August. “We expect this to be a long-term project,” Sekedat said. The 20 positions are considered skilled manufacturing jobs and will pay from $18 per hour up to around $25, according to Robin Toth, vice president of business development for Greater Spokane Inc. The capital investment to open the new line will come to $1 million in equipment and renovations, plus ongoing lease and utility costs. While the state has kicked in cash for the relocation, Washington will eventually gain about $450,000 in tax revenue from the new project, according to GSI. A news release said the company considered Idaho, Pennsylvania and Tennessee before moving the work back to Spokane. Gov. Chris Gregoire also issued a statement that credited the state Commerce Department and GSI for helping Pyrotek move jobs back to Spokane Valley. Pyrotek has more than 60 facilities in 31 countries. The new production line will not be at the firm’s Spokane Valley headquarters, at 9503 E. Montgomery Ave. Company officials declined to say where the facility will be located.