Two Spokane manufacturers honored by AWB

Hotstart Inc. , a 60-year-old company that makes engine block heaters for diesel locomotives, was honored for innovation.

Sonderen Packaging Inc. , which makes paperboard and cardboard cartons, was named “green manufacturer” of the year because of practices such as buying materials certified by sustainable forestry organizations and using soy-based printing inks.

AWB said in a news release, “Despite grave economic challenges, each of these seven companies has continued to find new and better ways to deliver a better product, improve production and find ways to conserve resources.”