On Thursday, October 3rd, SVAM held its annual Southwest Virginia Manufacturing Awards Banquet at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon. The event brought together business leaders, community members, and regional partners to honor manufacturers’ hard work, innovation, and dedication that continue to drive economic growth in Southwest Virginia.

The event showcased the critical role manufacturing plays in our community. It highlighted the achievements of companies and individuals making a significant impact in innovation, safety, environmental stewardship, and community involvement

The award winners for 2024 are as follows:

1. Innovations in Manufacturing Award – Presented to Real Performance Machinery of Independence, Virginia.
2. Community Impact Award – Presented to Lawrence Brothers, Inc. of Bluefield, Virginia.
3. Environmental Excellence Award – Presented to VFP, Inc. of Duffield, Virginia.
4. Excellence in Safety Award – Presented to Hitachi Energy of Bland, Virginia.
5. Manufacturer of the Year Award – Presented to Hitachi Energy of Bland, Virginia.
6. Manufacturing Employee of the Year Award – Presented to Charlie Sullivan from SIG of Chilhowie, Virginia.
7. Community Choice Award – Presented to Real Performance Machinery of Independence, Virginia and Somic America, Inc. of Wytheville, Virginia.
8. Eric Miller Memorial Award – Presented to Jeff Dunnack.

“The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing Awards Banquet does a wonderful job of bringing recognition to companies that have made such tremendous impacts to the community and at their own facilities. Hearing those recipients speak their stories of growth is both inspiring and humbling, and a reminder that we are building our own story to make an impact – Thank you SVAM for a wonderful evening!” – Caitlin Cook, Ballad Health Rehabilitation

 

“It is always very interesting to hear what other companies do in the areas of Safety, Environmental, Community Involvement and Manufacturing. Great learning experience and recognition of award winners.” – Fred Vermeer, Hapco Pole Products

The Southwest Virginia Manufacturing Awards Banquet truly celebrated excellence, innovation, and community spirit. It was an evening filled with pride as companies and individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the region. These manufacturers are advancing their industries and making Southwest Virginia a better place to live, work, and grow.