Top 5 things made in Whatcom County, and why that’s changing

When it comes to making products, Whatcom County is reaching a crossroads: Traditional industries still dominate, but global market conditions are forcing change, creating opportunities for new ones to emerge.

Whatcom County’s gross domestic product is around the middle of the pack compared to the rest of the U.S. In 2014, Whatcom County produced goods valued at nearly $10 billion, a 3.2 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.