APPLETON — Two regional manufacturers were recognized by the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry today for their innovation and dedication to northeast Wisconsin.
Greenville-based Fox Valley Spring Co. Inc., a maker of compression, extension and torsion springs, was named Small Manufacturer of the Year.
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Lean manufacturing practices have positioned the company, which employs 33 people, in the top 10 percent of its industry by the Spring Manufactures Institute Annual Market, which measurers financial stability, the chamber said. Consistent performance has FVS considering expansion plans for manufacturing, shipping and receiving, and customer service.
Eggers Industries, based in Two Rivers with a facility in Neenah, was named Medium-sized Manufacturer of the Year. The firm employs 481 people, including 259 in Neenah.
Eggers’ products include conference tops and veneered components, door frames, flush doors, architectural paneling and veneer matching, specialty glass, and rail doors.
Incorporating lean manufacturing methods has helped the company remain competitive, the chamber said. A primary component of Eggers’ success is its strong customer relationships, which includes customer program rewards.
Kim Bassett-Heitzmann, president and chief operating officer at Bassett Mechanical in Kaukauna, was presented the 2009 Athena Award, which recognizes women business leaders for their contributions to their company, industry and community.
She joined Bassett Mechanical in 1996 and represents the third generation in her family to work at the company founded by her great-uncle in 1936. Bassett-Heitzmann has held many positions with the company, working her way to the president’s office.
Bassett-Heitzmann is a charter member of the Wisconsin Family Business Forum and helped to establish the “next generation” and leadership development peer groups. Other professional associations include the Union Bargaining Committee for the Mechanical Contractors Association and Sheet Metal Contractor Association and as a board member for both of those organizations.
Dennis Jochman with The Bechard Group, a Grand Chute-based commercial real estate firm, was installed as the new chairman of the chamber’s board of directors, taking over for Debra Michiels of Fox Banquets & Rivertyme Catering in Appleton.
The chamber also recognized several business milestone anniversaries including; Marking 50 years, Associated Appraisal Consultants Inc.; Bergstrom-Mahler Museum; Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group; Herrling Clark Law Firm; Heyerman Construction; R&R Steel Construction Co. Inc. and School Specialty Inc. Companies celebrating 75 years include, Capital Credit Union; Lakeview Credit Union; Prospera Credit Union and Wisconsin Paper Group Inc. McMahon Group and Theda Clark Medical Center, both are celebrating 100 years and Eggers Industries is marking 125 years.
