Positronic Industries named Manufacturer of the Year

In a year when all sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, are struggling, Positronic Industries showed it's weathering the storm.

The Springfield-based manufacturer and engineer of vertically integrated connectors received the 2008 Manufacturer of the Year Award from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon today at University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center.

Founded in 1966 by Jack Gentry, Positronic also offers in-house manufacturing and engineering services in addition to its electrical connector business. The company now has facilities in Puerto Rico, France, Singapore, India and most recently China, in addition to its Springfield headquarters.

Positronic edged out two other finalists: Nixa-based Aire-Master of America Inc., which manufactures odor-control and cleaning products, and Battlefield custom metal fabricator Snap Lock Inc.

An independent panel of judges evaluated nominees based on several factors, including business stability and growth; employee development; product development and sustainability; environmental, health and safety performance; and community involvement.

Past award recipients are Jarden Plastic Solutions, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co., Edmonds Dental Prosthetics, Megavolt LLC, 3M Co., ReGen Technologies, The Maiman Co., Kraft Foods, Northrop Grumman Interconnect, Hiland Dairy Co., Hagale Industries, SMC Packaging Group and Aaron's Automotive Products.

See SBJ's Dec. 15 issue for more on the Manufacturer of the Year Award.[[In-content Ad]]