News Release
November 11th, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Martin A. Kish
(502) 352-2485 - Office
(859) 351-8420 - Mobile
Manufacturer of the Year, Employee of the Year Winners Annouced
Three Firms Win 2008 Kentucky Manufacturer of the Year Prosperity Awards; Owensboro Woman Named 2008 Kentucky Manufacturing Employee of the Year
Louisville – Three Kentucky companies – Gallatin Steel, of Ghent; Whip Mix, of Louisville; and I.B. Moore, of Lexington; have won 2008 Kentucky “Manufacturer of the Year” Prosperity Awards. In addition, Danuta Hatcher, of Unilever, Owensboro, received the 2008 “Kentucky Manufacturing Employee of the Year” award, according to Jim LeMaster, KAM president and CEO.
The awards were presented at KAM’s annual awards luncheon and annual meeting in Louisville. The Greenebaum Doll & McDonald law firm was once again presenting sponsor of the event.
Gallatin won in the “large business” category; Whip Mix won in the “mid-size business” category; and I.B. Moore won inthe “small business” category. Company selection was based on:
- Innovation in product development, growth and entrepreneurial leadership.
- Contributions to quality of life in the community and/or Commo nwealth.
- Active involvement in organizations that advance manufacturing and industry.
Judging of employee nominees was based on innovation, teamwork, commu nity service and leadership.
The independent, 2008 awards selection committee consisted of Vickie C. Ladt (Committee Chair), President – Ladt Consulting Services Inc., Lexington; David Ledford, President – Boneal, Inc., Means; Becky Naugle, Director – Kentucky Small Business Center, Lexington; Rich Cleary, Member in Charge – Greenebaum Doll & McDonald, Louisville; Frank Salisbury, Director of Advancement – Ashland Community & Technical College, Ashland; Daryl Love, Community Relations Manager – Ashland Inc., Lexington; and Gary Stewart, Partner – Crowe Horwath, Louisville.
“Although challenging, the awards-selection was a very interesting – and even gratifying – process,” says Ladt. “It was exciting to see what companies and individuals throughout the state are doing to improve their products, services, processes and training initiatives and how they’re striving to enhance quality of life throughout the Commonwealth. You get to meet the well-deserving, 2008 award-winners today, but we discovered there are many more ‘winners’ in Kentucky.”
“Greenebaum Doll & McDonald is pleased and honored to once again have the opportunity to be the presenting sponsor of these awards and to continue to support KAM’s efforts at making Kentucky the best it can be,” says Cleary. “The future of our great state dep ends on a vital, growing manufacturing sector, and this event illustrates the high-caliber industry and individuals we have to offer. Thanks to all who participated in the program – and to those who contributed to yet another successful awards event.”
About Gallatin Steel
Kentucky Manufacturer of the Year, Large Business Category
Ghent-based Gallatin Steel produces the highest-quality of steel, while emphasizing employee safety and environmental protection. Since its startup in 1995, Gallatin’s technologically advanced facilities have achieved ISO/TS 16949 Certification – the highest international quality benchmark for manufacturers.
Maintaining a safe work environment for its 450 associates, however, is Gallatin’s top priority. Also known as one of the healthiest companies in America, Gallatin encourages improved health and wellness through annual health evaluations, a wellness council and preventive medicine. As a result, Gallatin has received three Governor’s Safety and Health and two Manny awards.
Gallatin recycles millions of tons of scrap metal each year. This includes thousands of tons of scrap metal a day that’s removed from junkyards and landscapes. The company incorporates environmental initiatives and targets into its business plans, with particular focus on waste minimization, recycling, reuse and pollution-prevention.
Its ongoing pursuit of innovation in products and systems places Gallatin head and shoulders above competitors around the globe. Major renovations to the company’s Melt Shop and Bag House are recent examples of Gallatin’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
About Whip Mix
Kentucky Manufacturer of the Year, Midsize Business Category
Louisville-based Whip Mix is a widely recognized, leading and worldwide source of high-quality products and services used by all facets of the dental industry and a preferred source for government dental supply.
In 1919, Whip Mix created the first complete dental inlay investment casting unit, with a mechanical “spatulator” that whipped and mixed better than anything else; an invention that changed the industry and gave the company its name. Whip Mix continues to be an outstanding and innovative pioneer and producer, winning the Journal of Dental Technology WoW Award four times. The company’s broadened line of domestically manufactured goods also earned recognition from the U.S. Department of Commerce through a President’s Excellence in Exporting Star Award.
One way Whip Mix “gives back” to its communities is by helping its members achieve improved oral health. Over the past eight years, the company has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to numerous local and national organizations. Whip Mix also has provided 11,000 cavity-preventing sealants and distributed toothpaste and toothbrushes to 25,000 Kentucky and Indiana children.
To help further dentistry research and standards, Whip Mix has served as a member and/or committee chair of the Dental Manufacturers of America since 1976; participated/led its local Quality of Management chapter; and hosted educational symposiums featuring international speakers. Its relentless focus on Lean Manufacturing has led to waste-reduction, increased efficiency and continuous improvement, as well as creation of innovative products and services. Whip Mix is a recipient of the prestigious Lean Manufacturing Award.
About I.B. Moore Company
Kentucky Manufacturer of the Year, Small Business Category
Locally owned and Lexington-based I.B. Moore Company manufactures high-quality rubber and acrylic products. Four years ago, the company was in danger of closing its doors. Due to the tireless efforts and “can do” spirit of its current owner and employees, however, that didn’t happen; the company persevered.
For 40 years, I.B. Moore Company has been making rollers, o-rings, gaskets, seals, and many other elastomer products for various industrial needs. In recent years, the company has taken the opportunity to provide new products and services that align with the quality and custom parts for which I.B. Moore is known. This includes close-specification, tournament croquet balls used by England’s international sanctioning body of tournament croquet.
When an overseas company threatened to take the croquet-ball business from I.B. Moore, Danny Siders, the company’s owner and chair of the 2008 Kentucky Center for Performance Excellence Awards, responded to the challenge by proving his company could make a superior product. As a result, the business stayed in Kentucky.
I.B. Moore relies on Lean Manufacturing, engineering and advanced production techniques to consistently generate high-quality products and makes time to meet with other companies to share and promote Lean Manufactur ing principles as well.
About Danuta Hatcher, Kentucky Manufacturer Employee o f the Year
This year’s employee of the year award winner is not only a team player, but also a team leader. Danuta Hatcher, who works at Unilever's manufacturing facilities in Owensboro, proves that a machine is only as good as its parts, and a company is only as good as its workforce.
Not content with simply doing a good job, she also strives to be an innovator. Hatcher initiated a process to study her company's job-bidding procedure and came up with a way to make it more flexible and better able to match associates with the right job.
Hatcher has been delivering excellence at Unilever for more than a decade. She leads by example, exhibiting both persistence and patience to her co-workers.
Her dedication and enthusiasm doesn’t stop at the workplace. Deeply committed to her community, Hatcher volunteers at a local school and organizes fund-raising events for her church's youth group.