FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2025

FREDERICKSON, WA — The Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County (EDB) has announced that Kowa Company, Ltd., a global leader in research, development, and manufacturing, is expanding into Pierce County, Washington, with the lease of more than 300,000 square feet at the FRED310 industrial park in Frederickson. The company plans to establish a U.S.-based manufacturing facility—its first of this kind in the region.

Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Japan, Kowa employs more than 8,000 people worldwide and operates in diverse fields, including the trading of textiles, machinery, and construction materials, in addition to the manufacturing and sales of medicines, medical devices, vision units, energy, and energy-creating products. This strategic move signals the company’s continued international growth and diversification.

“This is a major win for Pierce County,” said County Executive Ryan Mello. “Kowa’s expansion demonstrates that our region is well-positioned for global investment. It reflects our shared commitment—across public and private sectors—to building a strong, resilient economy that offers opportunity and innovation.”

The successful recruitment of Kowa was the result of close collaboration among several regional partners, including Pierce County, the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County (EDB), Tacoma Public Utilities, Puget Sound Energy, Impact Washington, the World Trade Center Tacoma, and the Washington State Department of Commerce. These organizations worked together to support site selection, permitting, utilities coordination, and international engagement.

“This project showcases what’s possible when regional partners are aligned and committed,” said Sarah Bonds, Vice President of Business Recruitment at the EDB. “Each partner brought critical expertise to the table, and together we created a compelling case for Kowa to invest in Pierce County. Their decision is a testament to our readiness, our workforce, and our shared vision for economic growth.”

Production at the new facility is expected to begin in 2026, with facility improvements already underway. Hiring will start later this year, with the company planning to fill roles in operations, logistics, administration, and more.

The community benefits of this foreign direct investment extend well beyond job creation. The project will stimulate local supply chains, support infrastructure development, and generate additional tax revenue to support public services. It also further establishes Frederickson—and Pierce County—as a competitive destination for advanced manufacturing and international business.

Joe Nguyễn, Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce, added: “Kowa’s decision to establish its manufacturing facility in Frederickson is a significant milestone for our state. This expansion highlights Washington’s strengths as a manufacturing powerhouse and underscores the importance of our robust community partnerships. By fostering these collaborations, we can attract and support global enterprises. We look forward to the economic development and the positive impact on our local communities that this project will undoubtedly bring.”

“This is the kind of sustainable, high-impact growth we strive for,” Bonds added. “Kowa’s investment reflects not only confidence in our region, but a long-term commitment to our people and our future.”

About the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County

The EDB is laser-focused on recruiting new firms to Pierce County, retaining those that are here, and helping all of them expand. The EDB supports companies in creating new jobs and growing the economy of the South Sound and Washington State, USA. In the past two decades, the EDB has worked with companies that have made over $1.6 billion in capital investments and created over 25,000 jobs. Choosetacomapierce.org

Media Contact: Sarah Bonds Vice President, Business Recruitment
Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County
sarah@edbtacomapierce.org