The Seattle Fashion Incubator (SFI), located in downtown Renton, recently acquired eight industrial sewing machines from Filson’s Seattle manufacturing facility as part of support of the incubator’s production training program for veterans.

Conversations between Filson and the Seattle Fashion Incubator began shortly after May 2014, when the Renton facility was receiving media attention for its plans to teach veterans to be apparel production workers. Since then, the company has been rallying support for its endeavors with economic development agencies at the county level and with the City of Renton as well as the regions apparel industry, which is the fourth largest in the country, reports SFI.

“The Seattle Fashion Incubator is a valuable resource for the fashion and apparel industry in the region,” said Suzanne Dale Estey, in a press release. She is the president and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Seattle & King County.

“This generous donation from Filson will increase the incubator’s capacity for training and support, which will help grow jobs and support emerging companies in this important industry cluster. Hats off to all involved,” she said.

The donation follows another move to be closer to veterans. In October of 2014, the incubator moved into a 3,600 square foot space next door to the Compass Veterans Center in Renton. The two entities have started to identify veterans to participate in the training program.

“The Renton Compass Veterans Center is very excited to be partnering with Seattle Fashion Incubator,” said Roger Shands, program manager at the Renton Veterans Center, Compass Housing Alliance. “Our veterans are thankful to be presented this wonderful opportunity to get back into the workforce.”