Stories by Gordon Oliver

Columbian Business Editor

Instafab employee Bruce Alan works at the site of an apartment project under construction in Northwest Portland. About one dozen Instafab workers have walked out on strike at the non-union company in the past year. But workers have not yet voted on whether to join the Ironworkers union, and company owner Bruce Perkins is refusing to meet with his striking workers.

Instafab, striking workers steel themselves amid long labor dispute

March 6, 2016, 6:07am Business

At about 6 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, four ironworkers and a supervisor at Instafab, a Vancouver company that fabricates and installs steel for projects large and small, walked into the company's fabrication shop to make an announcement. As two visitors filmed the scene with cellphone cameras, the workers… Read story

The new Headquarters of Nautilus in Vancouver.

Nautilus reports 15 percent increase in 4Q sales

February 22, 2016, 4:54pm Business

Vancouver-based fitness equipment maker Nautilus, Inc. said Monday that it generated $109 million in sales in last year's fourth quarter, a 15 percent increase over the same quarter in 2014. For the full year of 2015, its net sales of $336 million were up by 22 percent from 2014, the… Read story

Strictly Business: Technology opens new horizons for many

February 21, 2016, 6:05am Business

While visiting Seattle a few weeks ago, we stayed with a relative who was born without sight. Shannon can see color but cannot recognize people or objects. Yet from the time at age 7 when she learned to ride a bicycle, Shannon has embraced her life and learned how to… Read story

Construction is underway on a new Red Robin restaurant in Battle Ground's Millcreek Town Center, a commercial complex that includes a Wal-Mart store.

Red Robin, luxury apartments rising in Battle Ground

February 17, 2016, 6:01am Business

A Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews is now under construction in one of Battle Ground's busiest retail locations, and a MOD Pizza won't be far behind. Read story

Hancock Fabric in Hazel Dell is holding a liquidation sale and will close its doors due to the bankruptcy of its corporate parent. The Hazel Dell location is one of 70 Hancock Fabric stores closing nationwide as part of the company's bankruptcy reorganization plan.

Hancock Fabrics in Hazel Dell closing

February 12, 2016, 4:42pm Business

The Hancock Fabrics store in Hazel Dell will soon close, a victim of the bankruptcy of the store's corporate parent. Some 70 Hancock stores nationwide will close. Read story

Strictly Business: Waterfront would be a good home for carousel

The carousel at the Jantzen Beach Center, seen in 2003, has been missing since it was moved from the mall renovation in 2012.

February 7, 2016, 6:00am Business

The Jantzen Beach carousel is somewhere, but its owners aren't telling us where. Their silence about the beautiful machine's future sends a strong message that it won't be coming back to its old Hayden Island haunt any time soon. Read story

Puj opening doors of downtown shop

The infant products company Puj was launched on the strength of the Puj Tub, a soft foam tub that conforms to the shape of most sinks. The tub is among the products now in display at the company's newly developed showroom and retail store at 301 W. 11th St. in Vancouver.

February 3, 2016, 8:35am Business

For years, the baby products company Puj has been a baffling presence in downtown Vancouver. Even as the Vancouver-based company expanded nationally by selling through major retailers and online, the large showroom attached to the company's 20,000-square-foot warehouse remained empty. The private company's popular infant bath tubs and other products,… Read story