SmaK dab in Hayden
Photos: LOREN BENOIT/Press Ryan Wood with SmaK Plastics uses a bolt to secure a plastic mold before placing it in the oven. SmaK Plastics, based in Vancouver, Wash., is expanding its manufacturing operations in Hayden and hopes to have about 45 new jobs in the area by the end of the year.
SmaK Plastics employee Dean Devitto uses a sharp edge to trim the parting line on a plastic air mover at the company’s manufacturing facility in Hayden.
HAYDEN — Sometimes business expansions are such an obvious decision they SmaK you in the face.
SmaK Plastics, a Vancouver, Wash.-based manufacturer of plastic products such as bins, planters, stools, water tanks, electrical pedestals for homes and pool equipment for those with disabilities, announced on Wednesday its expansion to Hayden with hopes of having a workforce of about 45 by the end of the year.
Jon Smalley, president and CEO, said existing customers in this area and available equipment the company will use from the previous occupant of its facility at 181 W. Aqua Ave. pushed the firm to expand here.
"A lot of things happened that made this expansion a perfect fit," Smalley said. "The availability of … a complete line of operational equipment that matches our existing business was ideal."
The name of the company combines letters of the last names of Smalley and co-owner Eric Kunz. They, along with their respective wives, Beth and Lorendia, found the area to have a business-friendly climate, Smalley said.
The company used the Idaho Department of Commerce's Tax Reimbursement Incentive program that helps businesses expand by offsetting costs and worked with agencies such as Panhandle Area Council, the Jobs Plus economic development agency and the city of Hayden during the search process.
When U.S. Products, which formerly occupied the facility and manufactured commercial carpet cleaning equipment, closed, PAC took over the assets and contacted possible buyers. When Smalley came to Hayden to check out the equipment, PAC Executive Director Wally Jacobson suggested an expansion rather than moving the equipment.
Smalley bit at the idea, so SmaK will manufacture both the plastic products it does in Vancouver along with carpet cleaning equipment.
The company has 12 employees to start with in Hayden, but is adding a second shift and another eight employees next week.
"We should have 45 when we are up to full production at the end of the year," Smalley said.
Smalley said the entry-level floor positions at the company start at $11 an hour. Those with more experience can earn up to $16 per hour.
The company offers an employee benefit package.
SmaK uses a low-pressure plastic molding process called rotational molding to manufacture its products.
Smalley said his company is one of only a few of its type in the Northwest. He founded the company in 2007.
"I saw an opportunity with a lack of these companies in the Northwest," he said. "It was perfect timing, but also risky with the downturn. We've fared well, and here we are today."