South Carolina Chamber Announces Manufacturers of the Year

September 30, 2008

COLUMBIA, SC – September 30, 2008 – The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) honored four outstanding manufacturing enterprises at the 14th Annual Manufacturers’ Appreciation Night held September 30 in Columbia. More than 200 people attended the event, which was presented by Spirit Telecom.

Honorees were:

·         The 2008 Large Manufacturer of the Year is Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing, Inc., located in Timmonsville.

·         Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year is AFL Telecommunications, located in Spartanburg.

·         South Carolina’s Small Manufacturer of the Year is PBR Columbia, LLC, located in West Columbia.

Other finalists included: CMC Steel South Carolina, Colite International, Ltd., Conbraco Industries, Inc., Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC, Holcim (US) Inc., PPG Industries Fiber Glass Products Inc. and Wix Filtration Corporation.

“These companies have each set great examples of distinguished manufacturing in our state,” said Otis Rawl, president and chief executive officer of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. “Manufacturing is a cornerstone of South Carolina’s economy, and we are extremely proud to honor their accomplishments and contributions.”

Manufacturers’ Appreciation Night is dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of South Carolina manufacturers and culminates with the announcement of the distinguished South Carolina Manufacturer of the Year awards. The business community annually honors manufacturing employees for all they do to contribute to a vital industry sector and shows its appreciation for all of the state’s manufacturing accomplishments. Manufacturer of the Year selection is based upon: Quality of Life Programs, Quality Improvement Efforts, Improvements in the Environment, Involvement in Local Community and Overall Effectiveness. 

Judi Gatson, anchor of WIS TV News Ten Midday and Live at Five served as mistress of ceremonies. 

Next year’s event will be held September 22, 2009 at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology in Florence. The South Carolina Chamber and the Silver Crescent Foundation have merged their awards programs and will present the Silver Crescent Manufacturer of the Year Award to a small, medium and large manufacturer.