Kent, WA is a Great Place to do Business:

shipsKent boasts a diverse economic base. Manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, professional services and retail companies are all located here. This includes a growing number of large and well-known companies, like: The Boeing Company’s Integrated Defense Systems, WCP Solutions, Mikron Industries, Oberto Sausage Company, Starbucks Roasting Plant, and Recreation Equipment, Inc. (REI).

The Kent Valley is home to a growing volume of Class-Awired office space. The Kent Valley is the 2nd largest industrial park on the West Coast; 5th in the nation. It is the 3rd largest distribution/warehouse area after New York/New Jersey and LA, and the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma are the 3rd largest container hub in the nation.

Agriculture product shipped via rail to ports through the Kent Valley exceeds 122,000 cars annually. Each car equals 91 metric tons. Connected to greater Puget Sound via Interstate 5 and five other state highways, Kent’s location has helped turn it into South King County’s commercial hub. The Sounder Commuter Rail also serves Kent, moving commuters conveniently and efficiently.

Manufacturing:

Kent Economic Specialization:

SIC Industry Sector  TotalEmployees Index

17

 Construction-Special Trade Contractors 4,103 1.05
Manufacturing   21,584 3.16
25 Furniture and Fixtures 212 2.78
26 Paper and Allied Products 893 2.91
28 Chemicals and Allied Products 202 1.55
30 Rubber and Miscellaneous Plastics Products 1446 9.23
33 Primary Metal Industries 202 1.30
34 Fabricated Metal Products 1,611 3.34
35 Industry and Commercial Machinery and Computers 1,783 2.60
36 Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ex: Computers) 893 3.33
37 Transportation Equipment 10,528 8.41
39 Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries 741 2.32
Transportation, Communication & Utilities 5,584 1.45
42 Motor Freight Transportation and Warehouse 3,359 3.65
47 Transportation Services 713 1.98
Wholesale Trade 8,982 2.46
50 Wholesale Trade – Durable Goods 4,722 2.23
51 Wholesale Trade – Nondurable Goods 4,260 2.82
Retail Trade  13,770 0.93
59 Miscellaneous Retail 2,604 1.34
Services 15,620

0.50
75 Automobile Repair, Services and Parking 1,114 1.31
76 Miscellaneous Repair Services 355 1.3

Major Employers in Kent:

  • Boeing Space & Defense*
  • Kent School District*
  • City of Kent *
  • Recreation Equipment Inc.
  • Mikron Industries Inc.*
  • King County Regional Justice Center
  • Sysco Food Systems of Seattle*
  • Alaska Airlines
  • Starbucks*
  • Oberto Sausage Company*
  • Columbia Distributing
  • Fred Meyers*
  • Rescare Homecare
  • Food Services of America
  • PASC (Patient Accounting Services Center)
  • Hexcel Corporation
  • Exotic Metals Forming Co/EMFCO Holdings*
  • Dreyers Grand Ice Cream
  • Safeway
  • USF Reddaway Trucking
  • Protective Coating Inc.
  • Seattle Pacific Industries
  • Truesoups

* Denotes Kent Chamber members

Additional Information

For additional information please call (253) 854-1770 or email us online.