Boeing on April 19 announced that its Macon plant has been recognized as Georgia Manufacturer of the Year for mid-sized companies by the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Boeing is the only company in the state to have earned the distinction twice since the award's inception, having received it for the first time in 1995.
Governor Sonny Perdue recognized Boeing and the small- and large-company honorees at an awards luncheon held at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. The event, part of Manufacturing Appreciation Week, was attended by more than 1,000 business leaders.
"Georgia's manufacturing base is essential to the health and robustness of our Georgia state economy. On behalf of the State of Georgia, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the Manufacturer of the Year recipients for the significant contributions they make in bringing and sustaining world-class manufacturing to Georgia, as evidenced by their selection for this prestigious award," Perdue said.
"Achieving this distinction is truly an honor and testament to the hard work, dedication and outstanding performance of 'Team Macon' employees who produce superior products to meet the unique needs of our military customers," said Boeing Macon site leader Reed Morren. "This award also reflects our reputation as an involved member of the Macon community, significant contributor to the state's economy, and committed partner locally and statewide -- a legacy that we will continue to build upon."
The Boeing Macon plant, opened by McDonnell Douglas in 1988 prior to the merger with Boeing, currently has more than 500 employees. The facility produces subassemblies for the C-17 Globemaster III airlifter and the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, as well as wing replacement sets for the A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft.
Boeing Macon has received numerous accolades over the past two decades:
2003: accepted the Georgia Oglethorpe Award, the state's highest recognition for performance excellence
2004: named one of the top 10 manufacturing plants in North America by Industry Week magazine; received the City of Macon Large Industry of the Year Award
2007: recognized by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of "The Best Places to Work in Georgia"
2009: received the Robins Regional Industry Hall of Fame Award from the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce
2010: second receipt of the City of Macon Large Industry of the Year Award.
The Boeing Macon work force is also a significant contributor to its community through partnerships with at-risk elementary schools, charitable donations and volunteer work hours.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space, & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.
