For the second year in a row, Goodyear-Gadsden was named a finalist for the Alabama Manufacturer of the Year Award.
The prestigious award is given by the Alabama Technology Network and the Business Council of Alabama.
The award honors individuals and companies that bring “uncompromising excellence to Alabama manufacturing.”
The plant was named a finalist in the Large Manufacturer Division along with Mercedes-Benz in Tuscaloosa and BP America in Decatur.
Mercedes-Benz was named the winner at a luncheon April 19 at the Renaissance Montgomery. Gov. Robert Bentley was the keynote speaker at the event.
Though the plant did not win the award, the team was proud to be the only company to be named a fi-nalist in two consecutive years.
“We are honored that we were not only nominated for the award but are most proud that we have once again been named a finalist,” said Mark McLenithan, director of manufacturing at Goodyear-Gadsden.
“To be a finalist shows the impact Goodyear has on the community and the entire state of Alabama.
“We continue to build on a legacy that is 84 years strong in Etowah County.
“This recognition is for the more than 1,500 Gadsden Plant associates who work hard every day to produce a quality product for our customers.”
The plant was nominated by the Gadsden-Etowah Chamber of Commerce.
“Goodyear has been a powerful force in the community, not only as a backbone to industry but also as a cornerstone of philanthropy,” said Heather Brothers New, president of The Chamber.
“The company and its employees have a reputation of working hard and giving generously.
“Goodyear continues its concern for the community and its future by leading by example, from their fundraising for nonprofit organizations to their recycling efforts.
“Goodyear is very important to Etowah County.”
Following the nomination, a committee of Goodyear-Gadsden associates had to complete a 30-page application/narrative about why the plant deserves the honor.
“The application gave us the opportunity to share our story,” said Jackie Brehm Edmondson, communications manager. “It allowed us to recognize the hard work and dedication of all of our associates as well as promote our accomplishments and highlight our corporate citizenship.”
Past winners of the Large Manufacturer of the Year include Hyundai in Montgomery; ADRTAN Inc. in Huntsville; Teledyne Brown Engineering in Huntsville; 3M in Decatur; Honda in Lincoln; The Boeing Company in Huntsville; Nucor Steel in Decatur; Michelin in Dothan; Boeing-Decatur Delta Operations in Trinity; Lockheed Martin in Troy; Progress Rail Services Inc. in Albertville; MagneTeck in Madison; and Austel USA in Mobile.
The only Gadsden company to be honored with an award was Decatur Plastic Products for Alabama’s Emerging Manufacturer of the Year in 2007.