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Altek is committed to reducing our environmental impact through thoughtful, ongoing action.  Through our Altek 2030 Plan, we are building on the progress we've already made, while driving forward with purpose and innovation.​

By prioritizing recycling, energy efficiency, clean electricity, and cutting-edge R&D in biodegradable plastics, we are actively reducing our carbon footprint while delivering sustainable, high-performing products that make a positive difference.​

 By partnering with Altek, you're not just choosing a product—you're joining us in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future.

OUR APPROACH - OUR PROGRESS

ENVIRONMENTAL

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’ve completed a full-scale lighting upgrade across our 145,000-square-foot facility—replacing all traditional fixtures with high-efficiency LED lighting. This transformation not only modernizes our infrastructure but also cuts lighting-related electricity use , significantly reducing our environmental footprint and easing demand on the local power grid.

LIGHTING OVERHAUL

SOLAR PANELS

Altek remains committed to reducing energy costs and advancing our sustainability goals through continuous improvement and innovation. As part of this effort, we are actively pursuing grant opportunities to support the installation of solar panels at our facility. Given the significant cost associated with a system of this scale, we recognize that external funding is essential to assist us with the purchase and make this transition feasible.

By investing in renewable energy, we aim to reduce our dependence on the energy grid, lower long-term operational costs, and minimize our carbon footprint. Altek 2030 Plan is to be a recipient of these grants and to have a fully operational solar energy system in place by 2030—marking a major step forward in Altek’s journey toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

Altek identified that its outdated air system was a major contributor to excessive energy use, largely due to leaks and inefficiencies that required constant compensation to maintain performance. Following a detailed energy study —both before and after installation—the data confirmed the system’s inefficiencies were significantly impacting energy usage. Partnering with Avista, Altek invested in a modern, high-efficiency air system, which not only stabilized performance but also reduced overall energy consumption by nearly 10%. The proven reduction in usage qualified the project for a substantial energy rebate, validating the strategic investment and supporting Altek’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and cost-effective operations.

AIR SYSTEM UPDATE

Altek's Paper Recycling Program keeps over 3,600 gallons of paper out of landfills each year as we invest in paper shredding services that repurposes the paper for use in packaging and as a component in environmentally friendly fertilizer. Altek’s 2030 Plan includes the strategic implementation of digitization initiatives aimed at reducing paper product usage by over 50%. This shift not only supports our sustainability goals but also enhances operational efficiency across the organization.
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PAPER RECYCLING

Altek’s manufacturing services include custom plastic injection molding, a process that produces excess plastic material. To reduce waste and support circular manufacturing, Altek has identified specific materials suitable for regrinding. These materials are processed and sold to a partner company, where they are repurposed for use in the production of new plastic products—extending the lifecycle of our materials and minimizing environmental impact.  Each year, over 100,000 pounds of plastic regrind material are recovered and redirected through this program, significantly reducing landfill waste and supporting more sustainable manufacturing practices.​

 PLASTIC REGRIND/REUSE

As part of the Altek 2030 Plan, we have launched research and development efforts focused on biodegradable, plant-based plastics. Still in the early stages, these innovative materials are showing strong potential for durability and performance. One key area of focus is our collaboration with the airline industry, where our plant-based initiative is gaining traction.

Hemp, in particular, has emerged as a promising material—lightweight, strong, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly. These qualities make it ideal for use in airplane interiors, which are typically replaced every 7–8 years. Instead of contributing to landfill waste, these components can be ground down and repurposed as fertilizer, aligning with our vision for a circular economy and sustainable material lifecycle.

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BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC R&D

SCRAP METAL RECYCLE/REDUCTION

Altek's Precision Machining Program is vital to the success of the organization, supporting high-performance production while prioritizing material efficiency. Through the SCRAP Metal Recycling Program, over 300,000 pounds of metal and other materials are collected and recycled on average each year to minimize our environmental impact and reduce waste.

As part of the Altek 2030 Plan, we’ve launched a focused Scrap Reduction Initiative aimed at decreasing our current acceptable scrap rate of 3% to just 1%. This improvement will be driven by enhanced machinist training, education programs, and strengthened accountability measures across our production teams. This initiative not only reduces raw material consumption but also enhances production efficiency and reinforces our commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.

WALK-BIKE-BUS-CARPOOL REWARDS

Altek’s Walk-Bike-Bus-Carpool Incentive Program encourages team members to choose greener commuting options, supporting our broader commitment to sustainability. To thank participants for reducing their environmental impact, we offer a monthly gift card or a 50% discount on bus passes. Since the program's launch, single-occupancy vehicle use has declined, with 8% of employees now actively participating.
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At Altek, we’re dedicated to building an exceptional workplace where every team member feels safe, supported, and genuinely valued. Our clean, well-maintained facilities meet high standards for safety and ergonomics, ensuring employees can work comfortably and confidently every day.

But we don’t stop at the basics. We go beyond compliance with comprehensive safety training and continuous development programs that support both personal and professional growth. Here, employees aren’t just numbers—they’re part of the Altek family. That’s why our benefits package options are designed to support the well-being of both individuals and their families.

Collaboration and open communication are at the heart of our culture. Our employee-led Activities Committee helps keep that spirit alive through regular team-building events and company-wide initiatives.

We believe in celebrating hard work and dedication, which is why we recognize achievements through bonus programs, SNAP Awards (for those who go above and beyond), and Service Awards given at every five-year milestone.

This people-first approach has helped us build a loyal team—with an average employee tenure of over 10 years.

WORKPLACE CONDITIONS

Altek, in proud collaboration with The Al Marzetta Foundation (a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit), is deeply committed to uplifting and empowering communities throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Together, we actively support a wide range of causes and organizations dedicated to creating lasting, positive impact.

Our efforts include—but are not limited to—supporting programs and services that benefit:

  • Children and Youth 

  • Veterans 

  • Law Enforcement 

  • Hunger Relief

  • Animal Shelters 

This partnership reflects a shared vision of service, compassion, and responsible leadership.

COMMUNITY
OUTREACH

Our commitment to protecting our team is demonstrated through a dedicated Safety Coordinator, a 10-member Safety Committee, and more than 20 staff members certified in First Aid/CPR/AED. We conduct monthly safety trainings, often exceeding OSHA requirements, and maintain certified ergonomic specialists to reduce preventable overuse injuries.

Our clean, organized facility operates under 5S system, significantly reducing preventable injuries and creating a culture of accountability. Thanks to these proactive measures, our current Safety Experience Factor (EF) for the past 4 years has ranged from 0.6000-0.6675 (with 0.6000 considered the lowest rating for manufacturing), positioning Altek as a leader in manufacturing safety excellence.

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SAFETY &
PREVENTION

 

Altek began its recycling program long before recycling became a widespread practice. Operating an organization of this magnitude naturally generated a significant amount of unnecessary waste which was the catalyst for our Packaging Recycling & Reusing Program. This includes our dedicated Cardboard Recycling Program, which keeps over 16,000 pounds of cardboard out of landfills each year and provides a reduction in packaging costs for designated customers who have their boxes and/or foam shipped back to Altek to be reused for their future orders.

PACKAGING REUSE/RECYCLE

Altek’s culture is deeply rooted in teamwork and shared responsibility, particularly when it comes to sustainability. Our ongoing recycling efforts rely heavily on the active participation of our team members, who consistently contribute to the collection of single-use personal items such as cans, bottles, and paper products.

Each year, over 15 Gaylords of these recyclable materials are gathered and responsibly processed through our local recycling partners. In addition, to combat the use of disposable plastics, Altek has installed multiple filtered water bottle filling stations throughout the facility. This initiative alone has eliminated the need for over 250,000 single-use plastic bottles annually—demonstrating our commitment to reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable workplace.

CONSUMER RECOVERY/RECYCLE

At Altek, we understand that life doesn’t always go as planned, and unexpected challenges can arise. That’s why we’re committed to supporting team members in good standing through a variety of helpful resources. These include payroll advances for urgent needs, personal loans, access to emergency 401(k) loans, and our PTO donation program, which allows coworkers to support one another during extended absences. We also offer the Altek Food Pantry, stocked with essential items to help ease temporary burdens. 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

INSPIRING THE
NEXT GENERATION

Our outreach initiative, MINDS-i Robotics Education (mindsieducation.com), provides hands-on STEM robotics programs for classrooms and competitions nationwide. With accessible, advanced learning tools and curricula, MINDS-i sparks curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, preparing the next generation of innovators and leaders for careers in technology and engineering.
As a founding member of the NW I-90 Manufacturing Alliance (NIMA), formerly INWAC, Altek is proud to work alongside fellow manufacturers and strategic partners to build a thriving, connected manufacturing community. Through collaboration, we aim to accelerate growth, foster innovation, cultivate local talent, and contribute to the long-term economic vitality of our region.

ALLIANCE

SOCIAL

COOLANT REDUCTION/RECYCLE

Coolant is a critical resource in precision machining, essential for reducing friction and extending the life of perishable tools. Recognizing both its importance and environmental impact, Altek implemented the Machine Coolant Program, a multifaceted strategy to reduce, reuse, and optimize coolant usage across our operations.

This initiative includes comprehensive employee training on the use of refractometers to ensure proper coolant concentration levels in each machine—preventing waste and avoiding excessive use. Additionally, each machining station is equipped with oil skimmers or purification separators to extend coolant life and maintain efficiency. At the end of coolant's lifecycle, used coolant is processed through our recycling program, which separates and properly handles the remaining fluids for disposal.

Collectively, these efforts have led to a significant reduction in overall coolant consumption. To date, this program has reduced our coolant barrel usage by 35%, supporting both cost savings and our commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

Altek’s Added Value Department offers customers a range of custom finishing solutions, including specialized painting options such as EMI/RFI shielding. To support these services in an environmentally responsible way, Altek has implemented a closed-loop solvent recovery process.

Our wash and rinse station, in collaboration with an Automatic Solvent Recycler, converts used solvent into a 99.5% pure reusable form—dramatically reducing hazardous waste. Additionally, excess paint is processed into a concentrated “puck,” minimizing volume and simplifying disposal. Together, these efforts contribute to a 75% reduction in paint-related waste annually, aligning with our broader sustainability goals and commitment to responsible manufacturing.

SOLVANT RECOVERY/RECYCLE

Altek is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace community. Our team reflects a rich diversity of age, religion, orientation,  background, and ability.  With 68% of Altek’s workforce over the age of 45, many employees choose to build long-term careers here—often staying well into retirement—reflecting the inclusive, respectful culture we’ve worked hard to create

WORKFORCE
DIVERSITY

 

GOVERNANCE

Altek is a family-owned and operated organization, guided by a Trust & Inspire Leadership Model that deeply shapes our culture. Long gone are the days of autocratic, top-down leadership. Instead, we foster an environment of open dialogue and collaboration, empowering individuals through mutual respect and shared accountability. Performance Development Agreements are created through joint discussions, encouraging self-accountability while supporting growth through recognition and  coaching.

PROCESS OF
MANAGEMENT

 

Altek thrives on developing and promoting talent from within. We have a strong track record of recognizing individuals who demonstrate adaptability, a commitment to learning, and well-rounded skills. These team members are given opportunities to grow into roles that not only meet the evolving needs of the organization but also support their personal and professional development.

All job openings are posted internally first, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to apply. Regardless of current skill set, all internal candidates are given a chance to interview and be considered. When an internal candidate is not selected, we then partner with local temp and recruitment agencies, as well as platforms like LinkedIn and other job sites, to identify potential new team members who align with our values and goals.

RECRUITMENT
PROCESS

 

SUPPLY CHAIN
MANAGEMENT

 

Altek ensures a highly integrated and efficient supply chain by combining in-house manufacturing, assembly, and testing with advanced ERP/MRP systems. With a strong Lean and Six Sigma culture, Altek drives continuous improvement across operations.

The company maintains strict quality and compliance standards (ISO, AS9100, ITAR), supported by robust supplier oversight. During disruptions like COVID-19, Altek demonstrated resilience through safety stock strategies and proactive sourcing. Altek has expanded its capacity and global supply chain reach, especially in aerospace and defense sectors.

The Altek 2030 Plan includes implementing advanced traceability, using laser marking and barcode scanning to track components end-to-end.

© 2000 - 2025 Altek, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

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