For qualifying manufacturers, processors for hire, and manufacturers who perform research and development are not required to pay the sales or use tax on machinery and equipment used directly in the manufacturing or research and development process. Charges for labor and services for installing machinery and equipment are also not subject to the sales or use tax. Major distribution centers, over 200,000 sf also qualify for sales and use exemptions.

• Manufacturers’ Sales/Use Tax Exemption

The Rural County Sales/Use Tax Deferral Program grants a deferral of sales/use tax for manufacturing, and computer-related businesses, research and development laboratories, and commercial testing facilities (excluding light and power businesses) locating in rural counties. The sales and/or use taxes on qualified construction and equipment costs for such businesses located in these specific geographic areas are waived when all program requirements have been met and verified.

• Washington State Incentive Programs

The Chehalis-Centralia Airport is a general aviation airport which can meet most corporate needs. The airport has a LPV approach allowing for operations throughout the year. A full pilot lounge is available to pilots and crew in addition to a courtesy car. Full-service jet fuel is available along with self-service AVGAS. There are 10 conventional hangers and 48 tee hangers and recently a project for a runway viewing area was completed for families to come and enjoy the air traffic.

Approximately 80 miles to the North is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and approximately 80 miles south is the Portland International Airport. Both of these airports have three main runways and should meet any international needs.

All major railroads serve Lewis County. We have connections to Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), Union Pacific (UP), PSAP, and Tacoma Rail. There are rail reloading facilities in Centralia, Chehalis, as well as other additional sites.

Department of Transportation: Information

Providence Centralia Hospital a non-profit organization which employs 800 people. Providences’ teams are trained in lymphedema therapy, neurological therapy, occupational therapy, pediatric therapy, speech therapy, wound care, oncology, and chemotherapy. In addition, their diagnostic imaging services include: breast specific gamma imaging, bone density screenings, CT-Scans, X-Rays, digital mammograms, digital radiology, fluoroscopy, MRIs, nuclear medical exams, and ultrasound.

Lewis County is home to major food processing companies as well as niche agricultural farms. National Frozen Foods pioneered the process to freeze and store vegetables in the 1920s. Today they run a highly automated system using robotics to process and package food. Callisons Inc. is the largest mint oil processor in the world with products in oral care, confectionaries, and gum. Darigold produces dry milks and supplies them throughout the world.

We have a major north-south fiber link with multiple fiber lines that are available for access on a wholesale level. We are also served by various ISP’s and wireless carriers. Toledo Tel is a local ISP that offers phone and data services. We have a number of computer and technology based companies that have found they can operate competitively in our area.

Lewis County is home to many large energy players in Washington State. TransAlta operates a coal plant north of Centralia. Chehalis Power, a division of PacifiCorp, operates a natural gas plant in Chehalis. Tacoma Power provides electricity to Tacoma through its hydro plant in our county. The Lewis County PUD operates a hydro plant and has low rates compared to neighboring counties. BPA Transmission has a major line and regional substation running through Lewis County.