about us

The Northwest I-90 Manufacturing Alliance (NIMA) is focused on strengthening manufacturing across the Pacific Northwest. From Seattle to Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and communities throughout the I-90 corridor into Montana, NIMA brings together manufacturers, suppliers, educators, and regional partners to help companies grow, adapt, and stay competitive.

NIMA’s roots go back to the mid-2000s, when the organization was formed as the Inland Northwest Aerospace Consortium (INWAC). At that time, the goal was simple: connect aerospace manufacturers across Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and Western Montana, raise the profile of local capabilities, and create opportunities through collaboration. INWAC helped many regional companies gain visibility, build relationships, and become part of a stronger aerospace supply chain.

As manufacturing in the region expanded beyond aerospace alone, the organization evolved as well. NIMA reflects that growth—supporting advanced manufacturing across multiple industries while staying focused on the needs of real companies doing real work. Whether a shop has ten employees or hundreds, NIMA exists to help manufacturers learn from one another, solve shared challenges, and find new opportunities together.

Today, NIMA serves as a connection point for manufacturers across the Northwest—bringing people together, sharing resources, supporting workforce development, and helping companies navigate change. Members benefit from relationships, insight, and a regional network that understands manufacturing from the inside out.