Gina Morken, who has led New Tech Industries in Mukilteo since 2008 following the death of her father, Tom Bigelow, recently reported that the machine shop has emerged from a period of uncertainty. After a challenging stretch beginning in 2020, when Boeing’s temporary suspension of 737 Max production forced many staff onto standby, business conditions have stabilized. By 2023, Morken stated that the company had recovered from the workload fluctuations associated with the aviation giant’s assembly line.
Despite the improved operational status, the shop continues to face staffing shortages. Morken noted in September that the company is frequently recruiting to fill open positions. New Tech Industries derives approximately 90% of its revenue from Boeing, though its products do not become part of the aircraft themselves. Instead, the facility manufactures the specialized tools used to build the planes. This demand spikes significantly when new assembly lines are being prepared, a situation that occurred when the 737 Max production resumed in Everett more than two months prior to the recent visit.
The shop demonstrated its capacity to handle these demands by dispatching 19,128 tools to clients over the past year. Morken explained that the work often involves small-batch production, with customers typically ordering only a handful of items rather than hundreds. This requirement for precision and flexibility is a hallmark of the business, which currently employs 24 individuals.
Morken, who first joined the company payroll in 1997 after years of visiting the shop with her father, described the work as akin to assembling life-size building blocks, offering a tangible sense of satisfaction. The workforce includes a mix of experienced machinists and newer apprentices. While some senior employees retired during the 2020 slowdown, several have returned on a part-time basis to mentor the next generation of workers.
Dan Treherne, a 40-year veteran of the shop, emphasized that the camaraderie among staff is a primary source of job satisfaction, noting that employees work diligently to complete their tasks. Morken aims to shift the public perception of manufacturing, encouraging young people to view it as a primary career choice rather than a backup plan. She highlighted that the trade allows for a balanced lifestyle, enabling workers to pursue hobbies and family activities without physical exhaustion.
The next generation is already entering the field, as Morken’s daughter has recently begun a machinist apprenticeship. While it is too early to determine if she will eventually join the family business, Morken expressed enthusiasm for her daughter’s entry into the trade. She stressed the importance of preserving these skilled professions, stating she is eager to see her daughter pursue the career without applying undue pressure.
Aspiring entrants to the industry are advised to explore coursework offered by nearby colleges, according to Morken.
Following the closure of numerous smaller establishments in the area, Morken expressed satisfaction that New Tech has maintained its stability for its staff over the years.
Morken noted that convincing employees of the business’s longevity and financial health was a significant challenge.
“It was really hard for a small operation like ours to build trust that we wouldn’t shut down,” Morken stated. “We had to demonstrate our commitment to financial stability so they could count on a steady workplace. I view that as a major achievement.”