Glen Raven named N.C. Manufacturer of the Year

Takes top award among large manufacturers

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 8/30/2012 1:33:53 PM

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Glen Raven, maker of Sunbrella fabrics, was named 2012 North Carolina Manufacturer of the Year in the large manufacturer category by the North Carolina Chamber in cooperation with Fifth Third Bank and McGladrey LLP, the nation's fifth largest assurance, tax and consulting firm.
The award was initiated to recognize the importance of manufacturing, acknowledge the success of manufacturers and remind communities of the importance of a strong manufacturing base.
"Knowing that manufacturing is very important to our state and national economies, we decided to initiate the North Carolina Manufacturer of the Year award," said Steve Menaker, Carolinas and East region manufacturing lead for McGladrey. As one of the larger manufacturing states in the country, nominations for the award included numerous high caliber manufacturers across North Carolina.
Winners were selected in each of three categories:
Large manufacturer (more than $250 million)
Glen Raven, Inc. was named the winner in the large manufacturer category. Founded in Alamance County in 1880, Glen Raven today is a global company with business centers in North America, Europe and Asia, selling products into more than 120 countries. While best known for its category-leading Sunbrella brand of fabrics for awning, marine and furniture applications, Glen Raven also provides fabric-based solutions for automotive, military, construction, mining, protective work apparel and water filtration markets and operates national logistic and distribution subsidiaries. The Burlington, N.C.-based company is privately held by the descendants of its founder, John Q. Gant.
"On behalf of our customers, trade partners, associates and shareholders, we are honored and humbled to accept a North Carolina Manufacturer of the Year award," said Allen E. Gant, Jr., president and CEO of Glen Raven. "This award reflects our deep commitment to state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and around the world, and our relentless focus on innovative solutions and integrated marketing programs in partnership with our customers and trade partners."
Honorable mentions in the large manufacturer category included Caterpillar (Cary, N.C.), Domtar (Fort Mill, S.C.), Ingersoll Rand (Davidson, N.C.), Parkdale Mills Inc. (Gastonia, N.C.) and Siemens Charlotte Energy Hub (Charlotte, N.C.).
Mid-size manufacturer ($25 million-$250 million)
Flanders Corporation was named the winner in the mid-size manufacturer category. Flanders Corporation designs, manufactures and markets air filters and related products. The company focuses on providing complete environmental filtration systems for end users ranging from controlling contaminants in residences and commercial office buildings through specialized manufacturing environments for semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, chemical, biological, radiological, NASA programs and nuclear processing. One of their notable innovations includes the rollout of internally designed, automated equipment that manufactures filters at double the output of industry standard techniques. Headquartered in Washington, N.C., the Flanders Corporation operates out of 12 locations worldwide.
Honorable mentions in the mid-size manufacturer category included Parata Systems, LLC (Durham, N.C.) and Sona BLW Precision Forge Inc (Selma, N.C.).
Small manufacturer (up to $25 million)
Hoffer Flow Controls, Inc. was named the winner in the small manufacturer category. Hoffer Flow Controls is a privately owned manufacturer of precision flow measurement instruments and controls used in a wide variety of industries and market segments. Founded in 1969 by Ken Hoffer in New Jersey, the company relocated in 1980 to its current home in Elizabeth City, N.C. Hoffer Flow Controls provides flow measurement solutions for some of the most demanding conditions. Their clients include military, space agencies, multinational oil and gas companies, multinational cryogenic liquids suppliers, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, major power utilities and automotive manufacturers.
Honorable mentions in the small manufacturer category included ABCO Automation, Inc. (Brown Summit, N.C.), CNA Technology, LLC. (Greenville, N.C.) and Regulator Marine (Edenton, N.C.).
Nominations were submitted online and judged by a panel of contributors to the manufacturing and overall business community in North Carolina. The winners were selected based on holistic accomplishments including growth, jobs creation and innovation.
"As the North Carolina affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers, we were impressed by both the quality and quantity of nominations received this year," said Lew Ebert, president and CEO of the North Carolina Chamber. "North Carolina manufacturers continue to grow and evolve as the economy changes, and remain vital to our state's job creation. The quality and quantity of nominations demonstrated the vast innovation taking place throughout North Carolina. We look forward to growing the program in future years."