Koyo is recognized by Southwest GA Tech

RECOGNIZING LOCAL EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING, Southwest Georgia Technical College honored Cairo’s Koyo Bearings Company for being nominated as Grady County’s representative at the Georgia Manufacturer of the Year competition. Pictured, l-r: Charles Stafford, Grady County Joint Development Authority and SWGTC Board Member; Steve Walker, Koyo Bearings employee relations manager; Larry Bishop, Koyo Bearings plant manager; Dr. Craig Wentworth, SWGTC president; Chadd Mathis, Grady County Joint Devel
Southwest Georgia Technical College recognized Koyo during a college Board of Director’s meeting where they presented the firm with a plaque to acknowledge their accomplishments.
Chadd Mathis, Grady County Joint Development Authority and Cairo-Grady County Chamber of Commerce, nominated Koyo as Grady County’s representative. The Koyo plant has been in operation for more than 34 years and produces bearings sold to customers globally. Mathis pointed out that Koyo is an active supporter of Cairo High School and a sponsor of many local events which support various charities and organizations here. He said Koyo’s employees are active in community activities and many are involved with Southwest Georgia Technical College.
Nominations for the Manufacturer of the Year award are based on three criteria: corporate responsibility; economic impact on Georgia; and workforce excellence. Awards are given to companies in small, medium and large manufacturer categories during Georgia Manufacturing Appreciation Week, celebrated this year April 16-20 with the awards luncheon held April 19 at the Georgia International Convention Center. This year’s winners were Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia in West Point; Quad/Graphics in The Rock; and Cartersville’s Applied Thermoplastic Resources.
Georgia Manufacturing Appreciation Week was created to increase awareness about how vital manufacturing is to Georgia’s economy. Nearly 10,000 manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia, providing jobs for approximately 400,000 Georgians, nearly 10 percent of the employment in our state.