Twelve Pettis County businesses were recognized during the 11th annual Manufacturer’s Milestone Anniversary Recognition Banquet on Thursday.
Ranging from 10 years to 65, the 12 businesses were recognized for their anniversaries in the Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County community by EDSPC board members and staff, Sedalia City Council members, City of Sedalia staff, and members of the business community.
“We are here this evening to say thank you to all of our manufacturers and also to all of you for your support of our manufacturers,” EDSPC board member Rusty Kahrs said during the presentation. “The industry sectors we serve are the Manufacturing, Distribution,Warehouse, Logistics, Technology, and Energy sectors. Our manufacturers encompass 27 percent of the employment base in Pettis County at an average wage of $45,000. Our manufacturers are why Pettis County was named No. 42 in the nation and No. 1 in the State of Missouri by Site Selection’s 2015 list of America’s top Micropolitan areas. This was ranked according to the number of corporate facility investment projects during 2014. Two other Missouri counties shared No. 74.”
PlaySmart is celebrating 20 years in Sedalia since 1995 and manufactures unique, high quality, soft contained playground systems for children available. PlaySmart was honored for taking pride in producing a totally American made product and is an industry leader in innovative, unique designs that are fun and safe for children and is totally dedicated to creating playgrounds that give owners a competitive edge.
“I’m very proud of our company. I care about the kids and it’s a great place,”said Robyn Bremer of PlaySmart.
Sierra Bullets is celebrating 25 years in Sedalia. In 1990, Sierra relocated from Santa Fe Springs, California to a new beginning in Sedalia. Armed with years of experience in the manufacturing and testing of precision bullets, Sierra designed and built one of the most advanced bullet manufacturing facilities in the world. The shining star was the construction of a 300 meter underground test range.
In 2012, after years of adding capacity to meet growing demand for its products Sierra added a 22,000 square-foot warehouse to its facility and significantly expanded employment. Today, 150 Sierra Bullet employees manufacture world class jacketed rifle and pistol bullets, reloading manuals, videos, and exterior ballistic software. With a dedication to manufacturing the most accurate bullets on the planet and a catalog of over 175 projectiles Sierra serves not only reloaders, but the premium lines of every major ammunition manufacturer in the world.
The Center for Human Services was honored for 60 years in Sedalia. The Center for Human Services began as the “Crippled Children’s Center” in 1955. The Center is comprised of the multiple corporations including the Children’s Therapy Center, the Cooperative Workshops (CWI) and several HUD housing boards. The Cent er provides services in 36 counties in Central Missouri and is celebrating 60 years of serving approximately 4,000 children and adults with disabilities each year.
“Thirty six years ago we had an amazing vision vision,” said Ann Graff CEO of the Center for Human Services. “We had nine children in the basement of the Bothwell and now we serve 4,000 children and adults in 36 counties. Thank you Sedalia for honoring our milestone.”
Also recognized for milestones was: RCL Wiring for 10 years in Sedalia; Edwards FRP, Inc. for 15 years; Sedalia Metal Stripping for 30 years; Sedalia Tool and Manufacturing for 35 years; Al’s Portable Welding for 40 years; Duke Manufacturing for 45 years; Ditzfield Transfer, Inc. for 55 years; Fischer’s Concrete for 60 years and James H Drew Corp. for 65 years.
“I’ve been here 11 years, said Linda Christie, executive director for Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County. “I’ve found that this community has done a great job in supporting it’s manufacturing companies. We can see that in the 220 people in attendance tonight.”