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County highlights QB Fabrication expansion after lottery grant to speed production
Summary
At the April 9 meeting Clackamas County showcased QB Fabrication, a local metal fabricator that received a county Office of Economic Development lottery grant of $50,000 for capital equipment. Company leaders said the new press brake and angle master reduced production bottlenecks and supported expansion plans.
The board heard a business spotlight on QB Fabrication and Welding on April 9, where company representatives described how a Clackamas County economic development grant helped buy a press brake and angle master that reduced production bottlenecks.
Economic development manager Laura Edmonds said the county funded the business‑spotlight video series with lottery funds and county general funds as part of a business outreach strategy. Company founder Ben Quatch and executive administrator Maria Naylor told the board QB Fabrication has been in business more than 38 years, has been in Clackamas County about 10 years, employs roughly 38 full‑time workers, and builds steel lattice transmission towers and substation components for utilities across the Northwest.
"The grant allowed us to get a new press break and also a brand new angle master," Quatch said, explaining the equipment reduced turnaround time on parts that previously required outsourcing and multi‑step forming processes. He described production time reductions (an example given: a job that took 12 hours now takes about two) and said the company is seeking more land and facilities in the county as it grows.
Commissioners thanked the company for choosing Clackamas County. Commissioner Savis noted he toured QB's facility and praised the grant‑funded equipment; Commissioner West also offered thanks and expressed a desire to visit the operation in person.
The video series and the fiscal‑year 2024‑25 grant were described as part of the Office of Economic Development’s efforts to support local manufacturers and job creation. Company representatives said the grant, enterprise zone benefits and workforce supports have helped recruitment and production capacity.
What happens next: Board members invited QB Fabrication to continue engagement with county economic development staff and to report back on expansion plans; no formal county action was required beyond the prior grant award.
