Staff Report
Published Aug. 31, 2012

The Boeing Co., which earlier this year rolled out the first 787 Dreamliner built at its North Charleston plant, was one of three companies that received 2012 Manufacturer of the Year awards from the S.C. Chamber of Commerce.

Boeing, which has a workforce of some 6,000, received honors for the large manufacturer category.

Holcim Inc., which operates a cement plant in Holly Hill, received honors in the medium-sized manufacturer category. Meanwhile, Cytec Industries Inc.’s facility in North Augusta was honored in the small manufacturer category.

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In citing Boeing’s South Carolina operations, the state chamber noted that more than 90% of the direct contracted dollars for the construction project were spent with S.C.-based companies. When announcing plans to build a plant in the state, Boeing said it would invest $750 million.

Holcim was cited for its commitment to communities in which it operates and efforts to improve its environmental performance. The Holly Hill plant, which employs about 210 workers, maintains both ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications annually while producing more cement than any other manufacturer in the state.

The facility also is participating in a year-long community service initiative to mark the centennial anniversary of its parent company, Holcim Ltd., based in Zurich, Switzerland.

Cytec’s North Augusta facility, which employs about 100 workers, is part of an international specialty chemicals and materials company headquartered in Woodland Park, N.J. Cytec makes products for aerospace, adhesives, automotive and industrial coatings, inks, mining and plastics markets.

Other 2012 nominees included: Allied Air Enterprises, Orangeburg; Carolina Ingredients Inc., Rock Hill; Domtar Corp., Fort Mill; Lockhart Power Co., Lockhart; Meritor, Manning; Procter & Gamble Duracell Manufacturing, Lancaster; Scout Boats Inc., Summerville; and Sumter Packaging, Sumter.

The awards were presented Thursday at a luncheon in Columbia.