Staff Report
Published Sept. 22, 2011

Robert Bosch LLC of North Charleston, Cox Industries of Orangeburg and Domtar Paper Co. of Bennettsville won this year’s Silver Crescent awards, which recognize manufacturers’ contributions to education, environmental stewardship and other efforts.

The Silver Crescent Award for Manufacturing Excellence was presented today at the 16th annual Salute to Manufacturing at the TD Convention Center in Greenville. Cox won in the small manufacturer category, fewer than 200 employees; Domtar won in the midsize company category, 200 to 499 employees; and Bosch won in the category for large manufacturers with more than 500 employees.

For 10 years, The Silver Crescent Foundation has honored the state’s manufacturers for involvement with the educational system, commitment to workforce, environmental stewardship, and product or process improvements.

Honorees were chosen from a statewide slate of finalist companies nominated for product and process quality improvements; quality of life for employees; environmental stewardship; community and professional involvement; commitment to economic development; and community partnerships.

Nominations were judged by a panel of industry executives and S.C. business leaders. To be eligible, a company must have been in operation in South Carolina for at least three years prior to June 1. Anyone may nominate an S.C. manufacturer meeting this requirement, including company employees, community leaders, economic developers, chamber of commerce officials, customers, suppliers, friends and partners.

There were 21 finalists for the award.

State Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt spoke the event, citing South Carolina’s strong commitment to nurturing and attracting manufacturers of all types and sizes to the Palmetto State.

“We are excited to honor the accomplishments of all of the finalist companies, and in particular to salute our three 2011 Silver Crescent Award winners,” said Tony Smith, president of The Silver Crescent Foundation. “Secretary Hitt’s comments about the importance of manufacturing to South Carolina’s long-term prosperity are right on target and much appreciated, and we are gratified to draw such an outstanding collection of leaders from industry, government and the private sector to the 2011 event.”

The 2011 awards are co-sponsored by Marketplace Staffing, CPM Federal Credit Union, Dream It, Do It South Carolina and SC Biz News.

Read more about the awards program and the three winners in the Sept. 26 print edition of GSA Business. Subscribe online.