Kraft wins Maufacturer of the Year 2000

Springfield manufacturers experienced the power of cheese Dec. 13 when Kraft Foods Inc. was presented with the 2000 Manufacturer of the Year award by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

The manufacturer of cheese products, pasta and sauces was honored in a luncheon ceremony at the University Plaza Hotel.

Kraft was chosen from a field of three finalists Kraft, Dameron Color Labs Inc. and Aire-Master of America Inc. The award is presented each year by the Springfield chamber's Manufacturers Council.

Kraft Foods Plant Manager Joseph Lewis accepted the award on behalf of the 1,100 employees at the company's 2035 E. Bennett location.

Kraft was also a finalist for the 1997 Manufacturer of the Year award and has been a major Springfield area employer since 1939.

"Receiving this award in 2000 actually highlights many of the things Kraft has been doing this year trying to improve our strategies, working with our associates and also being a good corporate citizen. This award validates a lot of the hard work this year by our managers and associates," Lewis said.

The selection of the Manufacturer of the Year is based on criteria including business stability and growth, business management philosophy, response to challenges, innovative products and services and community involvement.

An independent panel of judges visited each nominee's plant to witness firsthand how each company operates, according to information from the chamber.