Tenant Spotlight – TRANSPAC Marinas Inc
August 14, 2025 | News
TRANSPAC Marinas Inc. (TRANSPAC) may not be a household name for the average person—but for the individuals, companies, and public agencies that rely on massive, non-motorized floating structures, TRANSPAC is the first that comes to mind. Known for their floats that can withstand even the harshest winds and waves of Alaskan winter storms year after year, TRANSPAC has earned a reputation for durability and innovation.
Founded in 1985 by Dave Rytand, who still serves as board chair at age 85, TRANSPAC has been operating in Anacortes since the late 1980’s. What started as a small manufacturing firm designing small- to mid-sized floating timber structures has grown into the most trusted design-builder of concrete and steel floats on the West Coast. Today, TRANSPAC designs and manufactures custom floating structures—some spanning 500 feet long, 70 feet wide and 13 feet high—for a range of clients and industries, including cruise lines, commercial fishing, fuel distribution, and public agencies.
TRANSPAC’s products are all designed in-house, and with components that can be assembled in-plant, the company works with trusted local partners to ensure every project exceeds their client’s standards. This hands-on approach and attention to detail has built a reputation so strong that all their work now comes through word of mouth.
Why Anacortes?
TRANSPAC first came to Anacortes to work on a two-year project designing and building a timber structure for Anchor Cove Marina Condominiums. When that two-year project was completed, the company decided to keep their operations here.
“We wouldn’t consider moving,” said TRANSPAC founder Dave Rytand. “TRANSPAC has rejected the concept of satellite facilities elsewhere simply because Skagit County is magical. It wouldn’t be possible for us to do the variety of things that we do without the skilled workforce, the ideal space, and the strong relationships we have here.”
The Port of Anacortes has played a crucial role in supporting TRANSPAC’s growth and operations. In addition to deepwater dock access and suitable facilities for office work and construction, the Port’s property offers a leasable “flex space” that TRANSPAC can rent as needed for constructing and staging their products. This flexibility is vital for the company, as their projects have very specific space and access requirements at inconsistent intervals. The Port’s willingness to accommodate these needs has allowed the company to thrive in Anacortes for over 35 years. TRANSPAC also benefits from proximity to industry partners throughout the Puget Sound region, including Concrete Technologies in Tacoma, and local companies like Dakota Creek and T-BAILEY.
Perhaps most important to TRANSPAC’s continued success is its team, with whom the company has built a strong culture around retention and trust. “The folks in Skagit have a tenfold better work ethic than anywhere else I’ve worked,” Rytand shared. “They work hard, smart, and love their work. As a result, for 38 years, we have had a policy of not laying off our employees when work slows down.” That means TRANSPAC team members are paid for 40 hours a week, 52 weeks per year, even when they aren’t actively working on a project. This culture of trust and policy of retention have led to a zero-turnover rate among the core team of 20 employees, some of whom have worked at TRANSPAC for over 30 years.
At its core, TRANSPAC has been able to do what they do best for so long because of two critical factors: reputation and relationship. By custom-designing the most reliable floating structures out there, and treating their clients, suppliers, partners, and staff with respect and appreciation, Rytand and the TRANSPAC team have built a company that will weather the storms for many years to come.
Learn more about TRANSPAC: https://www.transpacmarinas.com/