FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington Public Ports Association recognizes the Port of Walla Walla as Outstanding Job Creator
STEVENSON, Washington – Every year, the Washington Public Ports Association recognizes exceptional achievements by Washington’s port districts through four distinct awards. These honors celebrate leadership in environmental stewardship, community engagement, job creation, and creative partnerships; highlighting impactful projects and initiatives that advance economic development and quality of life in port communities across the state.
The Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) is pleased to announce the Port of Walla Walla as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Job Creator Award for its work supporting the development of the ROCKWOOL Manufacturing Facility in Wallula. Through long-term planning, infrastructure investment, and collaboration with community and industry partners, the port has helped bring one of the most significant advanced manufacturing projects in recent memory to southeast Washington.
Located at the Wallula Gap Business Park, the new ROCKWOOL manufacturing facility represents a $175 million investment in the region and will create 125 permanent jobs once operational, in addition to substantial construction employment during development. The facility will be ROCKWOOL’s first manufacturing plant in the western United States and its fifth in North America.
The project represents a major step forward for both economic development and sustainable manufacturing in Washington state. The new facility will use innovative electric melting technology to produce stone wool insulation products that improve energy efficiency and fire resilience while reducing the carbon footprint of manufacturing operations.
In supporting the project, the Port of Walla Walla worked closely with a broad coalition of partners including local and state elected officials, economic development organizations, community stakeholders, utility providers, and industry leaders. The port’s efforts to prepare industrial land, invest in infrastructure, and position the region for advanced manufacturing opportunities were instrumental in securing this transformational investment.
Projects of this scale do not happen overnight. They require vision, persistence, and a commitment to long term economic opportunity. The Port of Walla Walla’s leadership and collaborative approach will result in lasting benefits for the community through job creation, industrial growth, and expanded economic resilience for the region.
The port’s hard work, strategic planning, and commitment to community-focused economic development embody the qualities recognized by the WPPA’s Outstanding Job Creator Award, and we are proud to honor the Port of Walla Walla with the 2026 award.
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As a nonprofit trade association representing Washington’s independent port districts and their partners, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) fosters public policy that supports our members and helps them execute their community-supported goals. The WPPA was charged by the Legislature in 1961 with acting as the coordinating agency for public port districts throughout Washington, serving as the focus through which ports work cooperatively to develop policy direction, share information, and address issues on economic development, trade, transportation, and environmental stewardship. Public port districts offer a wide range of locally governed services, including the operation of marine terminals and barge facilities, tourism promotion, development of industrial parks, management of public access points, marinas, airports, railroads, and more.
CONTACT
Eric ffitch, Executive Director
360-763-1179 cell
effitch@washingtonports.org
