The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Industry of the Year Awards were presented at the 12th Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon on November 18th at the Lanier Technical College in Gainesville. Sponsored by Lanier Technical College, the awards program honors area existing industry leaders based on economic impact, workforce excellence and corporate responsibility.  The Keynote Speaker for the event was Greg Dozier, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia.

The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and the Gainesville-Hall County Economic Development Council continue to focus on the importance of existing industry in Gainesville-Hall County, and business remains strong. Gainesville-Hall County is home to more than 320 manufacturing and processing concerns, and 50 international company locations representing 15 foreign countries.  The 2020 fiscal year summary included 13 new and expanded businesses in Gainesville-Hall County adding 785 jobs and $267 million in capital investment. Since 2015, 112 new and expanded businesses have announced 5,600 jobs and $1.4 billion in capital investment.

Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce 2020 INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR AWARDS:

• Ranger Manufacturing (Small Employer Category / 1-50 Employees)

• Wilheit Packaging (Medium Employer Category / 51-200 Employees)

• Hydro (Large Employer Category / 201+ Employees)

• Murray Plastics (Workforce Development Recognition)

• ALBAform (Safety Performance Recognition)

• Conditioned Air Systems (Corporate Responsibility Recognition)

• Glo-Crest Diary/Mountain Fresh Creamery (Environmental Responsibility Recognition)

2020 Industry of the Year Award (Small Employer Category)
Ranger Manufacturing
Mike McGraw, Partner & Business Development
1180 Airport Parkway, Suite #102, Gainesville, GA 30501
Website:  www.rangermfg.com
Online Store:  www.rangerlock.com

Ranger Manufacturing is an innovative machining and fabrication shop that combines engineering with manufacturing capabilities in laser cutting, CNC machining, welding, metal forming, and assembly.  The company also manufactures its own patented products it sells through an online store and Grainger, offering some of the best bolt-cutter-proof locks in the business.  Despite the company’s small size of 19 employees, Ranger Manufacturing has placed a high priority on developing its workforce.  The company is participating in two apprenticeships and will soon start a Work Based Learning partnership for local high school students.  The lock side of the business, Ranger Lock, moved to Gainesville-Hall County in 2013, gained new ownership in 2015, and later merged assets with a small job shop in 2016, creating Ranger Manufacturing.  This expanded the business beyond making its own products to a full service manufacturing operation servicing many local industries.  Since Ranger Manufacturing’s inception, they have not had one lost-time accident.

2020 Industry of the Year Award (Medium Employer Category)
Wilheit Packaging
Philip Wilheit, Jr., Managing Partner & Sales Manager
1527 May Drive, Gainesville, GA 30507
Website:  www.wilheit.com

Since 1953, Wilheit Packaging has strived to provide great service to its customers and supply quality packaging materials at a fair price.  As good as they are at business, it is their spirit and passion for giving back to the community that has made this business a household name in Hall County for generations.  Their commitment of time, leadership and financial support has been consistent and foundational to many non-profit organizations including United Way of Hall County, Good News at Noon, Eagle Ranch, Georgia Mountains Food Bank, YMCA, Junior Achievement, Northeast Georgia Health System, Brenau University and the Boys and Girls Clubs, just to name a few.  Wilheit Packaging employs more than 100 full-time associates that earn competitive wages, a 401K plan and a full benefits package including 100% of employees’ health care and year-end bonuses.  The company has a tradition of developing talent and promoting from within including mechanics, drivers and fork lift drivers.  Wilheit Packaging is constantly innovating new services to meet customer needs, including an award winning and robust corrugated recycling program.