The honors keep coming for injection molder GW Plastics Inc., which was recently named Vermont's Business of the Year.
The Bethel, Vt.-based company won the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award -- named for a former Vermont governor -- in a contest sponsored by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Business Magazine.
The contest is open to companies that have been based in Vermont for at least 10 years (GW was founded in 1955), and the criteria include;
- Growth in sales or employment,
- Commitment of company resources for participation in community projects,
- Encouragement of employees to be involved in community events,
- Recognition of the importance of the environment to the state as a natural and economic resource.
Vermont Business Magazine had this to say about GW Plastics:
"During the last two decades, the company has expanded four times in Vermont, investing tens of millions of dollars in equipment, facilities and training while doubling its Vermont employment to more than 300 associates with over 900 associates worldwide."
It added: "GW Plastics takes its commitment to environmental sustainability seriously. Intrinsic benefits, as well as real financial savings, have led GW to embrace sound environmental stewardship in all of its locations. GW Plastics has completed a number of successful sustainability initiatives in the areas of Energy Reduction, Water Use Reduction and Waste Reduction and is a member of the Green Suppliers Network, a federally funded program to facilitate the establishment and implementation of 'Lean and Clean' manufacturing techniques for manufacturers.
"Commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and employee growth, makes GW Plastics a leader in its industry. These ideals not only match the criteria for the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business award but outline the principals of the company's mission statement. Their dedication makes GW Plastics a fierce competitor in the race for this award."
GW Plastics' President and CEO Brenan Riehl had this to say in a news release about the award: "Our committed Vermont-based ownership, supported by an experienced and highly engaged workforce, has proven to be a winning combination for our company, state and environment."
The company ranked 73th in Plastics News' most recently published survey of North American injection molders, with related sales of $89.6 million. GW Plastics also was the 2009 Plastics News Processor of the Year.