North Carolina
Manufacturer of the Year Awards

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

McGladrey LLP, the nation's fifth largest assurance, tax and consulting firm, and Fifth Third Bank, in cooperation with the North Carolina Chamber, have announced the winners of the 2012 North Carolina Manufacturer of the Year awards. The awards were initiated to recognize the importance of manufacturing, acknowledge the success of manufacturers and remind our communities of the importance of a strong manufacturing base.

Allen E. Gant, Jr.

Glen Raven was named the winner in the large manufacturer category (over $250 million). Founded in Alamance County in 1880, Glen Raven today is a global company with business centers in North America, Europe and Asia, selling products into more than 120 countries.

While best known for its category-leading Sunbrella brand of fabrics for awning, marine and furniture applications, Glen Raven also provides fabric-based solutions for automotive, military, construction, mining, protective work apparel and water filtration markets and operates national logistic and distribution subsidiaries. The Burlington, North Carolina-based company is privately held by the descendants of its founder, John Q. Gant.

"On behalf of our customers, trade partners, associates and shareholders, we are honored and humbled to accept a North Carolina Manufacturer of the Year award," said Allen E. Gant, Jr., president and CEO of Glen Raven. "This award reflects our deep commitment to state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and around the world, and our relentless focus on innovative solutions and integrated marketing programs in partnership with our customers and trade partners."

Scott Weldon Projects Steady Growth
for Jamestown Pellet Stoves

SALEM, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Jamestown Pellet Stoves has expanded operations to focus on growth in the U.S. market. Scott Weldon, an American entrepreneur with more than 20 years in the energy industry, became a partner, chief sales officer and president of Jamestown's U.S. Division; he projects steady, sustainable growth in market share, as well as an increase in manufacturing, sales and service jobs.

"Jamestown has been making top-of-the-line pellet stoves for more than 30 years," he says, which is a track record he'll be proud to help uphold. In fact, the company had no warranty claims in 2009, 2010 or 2011. "Part of that is due to the time we invest with our customers," said Weldon. "Buying a pellet stove is an investment, there's an educational curve, and Jamestown is committed to giving customers the tools they need to get the most out of their stove."

Jamestown CEO/vice president Bill Boulton says he is thrilled to welcome Weldon aboard. "I don't think there's a better person out there than Scott to help build the Jamestown brand in the States," he said. "We have a longstanding track record of quality and value in Canada, and Scott has dedicated much of his career to expanding the sustainable heating industry in America."

Jamestown's manufacturing plant in Minnesota will continue to produce the company's line of high-quality, modestly-priced, American-made pellet stoves. Weldon has been opening dealers all over the U.S. and will continue to focus on consumer awareness. Visit the website.