Key Industries
Renton’s Key Industries Provide a Strong Economic Base
The next generation of industry has been ushered into Renton, and the city continues to expand and welcome new business types, taking a dramatic shift from its early days as a coal mining town. Key industries in Renton include manufacturing, aerospace, professional services, destination retail, healthcare, and technology.
Manufacturing
Renton’s manufacturing industry is led by the Boeing Company and PACCAR Inc. Boeing – the leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, as well as defense, space, and security systems. PACCAR is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high quality, premium trucks, and is also a prominent employer in Renton.
Aerospace
Aviation and aerospace remain the largest industry in Renton with Boeing leading the way in the region as Renton’s top employer. The company continues to expand operations, and is currently building and manufacturing the next iteration of its 737 – the 737 MAX. In May 2017, the first Renton-built 737 MAX was delivered to Malaysia-based Malindo Air. The 737 Max has quickly become the fastest selling airplane in Boeing’s history worldwide.
There are numerous other aviation-related businesses in Renton, making it a regional and national leader in the future of aerospace.
Destination Retail
Retail is big business in Renton. The Landing, a $300 million dollar, 46-acre urban village shopping center at the south end of Lake Washington houses a diverse selection of national and local retail stores. Renton is also home to Washington’s only IKEA, a 399,000 square foot store built on 29 acres. The Swedish-inspired retailer boasts the state’s largest rooftop solar array that powers the entire store.
Healthcare
The healthcare sector in Renton continues to grow and become a vital component of the city’s workforce with four institutions – the UW Medicine/ Valley Medical Center, Providence St. Joseph Health, Kaiser Permanente Washington, and HealthPoint – at the forefront.
Professional Services
Professional Services is a strong cluster in Renton, boasting companies like Lumicor, Inc. and Puget Sound Regional Services. Other businesses that comprise this sector bring varied conveniences to our city that are vital to residents: insurance, financial services, linen/commercial laundry, car dealers, real estate services, wireless communications, and more.
Technology
Local companies like Wizards of the Coast, Tyler Technologies, and Boeing are on the forefront of technological advancement in Renton. Their software, infrastructure, and systems produce some of the most innovative solutions for the gaming, local government, and aerospace sectors.