Karl Webber

Business Development, Spokane

Karl Webber is the Spokane Region Business Developer for the Machinists Institute. A seasoned machinist, lean manufacturing expert, and executive level leader with more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing and public service, he focuses on workforce development, economic growth, and expanding high-demand manufacturing opportunities across Eastern Washington.

As Director of Manufacturing for a large manufacturing company, he managed a $20 million operation across a 144,000-square-foot facility with 160 employees. He also served as Systems Engineering Manager for an aerospace manufacturing company leading machining and assembly process improvements using lean techniques, mentored teams on manual machining and shop-floor safety, and drove continuous quality and efficiency gains. These leadership roles built on his hands-on experience as a machinist and organizational leader, giving him deep insight into both technical execution and operational excellence.

As Port Commissioner for Whitman County and President of KB2 Performance Management Systems, Karl has delivered over 300 training courses on lean manufacturing, blueprint reading, statistical process control, and leadership. He has partnered with manufacturers, educational institutions, and regional stakeholders—including work with WSU and the University of Idaho on technology transfer—to strengthen manufacturing capabilities and prepare skilled talent for aerospace, fabrication, and related industries.

Karl holds an Associate in Applied Science in Computer Integrated Manufacturing from Spokane Community College and is the inventor on U.S. Patent US11457618B2. He is committed to connecting employers, educators, and the community to build a stronger, more competitive manufacturing workforce in the Spokane region.