Why Businesses Are Packing Up and Leaving Washington State
A Company’s Struggle for Survival in a Changing Landscape
For over five decades, Delta Camshaft stood as a pillar of industrial stability in Washington, its operations running like clockwork. But now, after years of relentless pressure, the company’s future is being rewritten—elsewhere.
The driving forces behind this shift? Soaring costs, unchecked crime, and a shifting political climate that has made business operations feel like an uphill battle. Owner Jon Bodwell has gone to extreme lengths to protect his livelihood, even spending nights inside the factory just to guard against theft and vandalism.
The Cost Squeeze: When Expenses Outpace Survival
The financial strain on small businesses like Delta Camshaft has reached a breaking point. Insurance premiums surged nearly 20% in a single year, while power bills nearly doubled in just one month. For a company operating on razor-thin margins, these sudden, relentless cost hikes aren’t just burdensome—they’re unsustainable.
Taxes and regulatory fees pile up relentlessly, leaving owners with little room to maneuver. When expenses balloon overnight, planning for the future becomes a luxury—one that many can no longer afford.
Crime’s Chilling Effect: A Business Environment on Edge
Vandalism, theft, and graffiti aren’t just inconveniences—they’re active threats to survival. Repairs drain time and money, while police responses often feel too little, too late. Bodwell’s frustration is clear: laws increasingly seem weighted against law-abiding businesses, making it harder to operate with any sense of security.
The numbers don’t lie. A 2024 FBI report ranked Seattle as the fourth most crime-ridden major U.S. metro area, and a recent survey found that nearly half of Washington’s business leaders are considering leaving. Empty storefronts and "For Sale" signs in cities like Tacoma paint a stark picture—one of an economy slowly unraveling.
The Relocation Dilemma: Survival Over Profit
When basic costs and safety become unpredictable, even long-standing companies must confront a harsh reality: staying put may mean slow collapse.
For Delta Camshaft, the decision to relocate isn’t just about finding cheaper rent or lower taxes—it’s about escaping a system where running a business feels like a constant fight. The search for a new home isn’t just strategic—it’s necessary for survival.
As the company prepares to close a 50-year chapter in Washington, its story serves as a warning: When the cost of doing business becomes a threat to existence itself, even the most resilient enterprises must adapt—or disappear.
