SAVANNAH—Every year, Savannah Technical College nominates area manufacturers for consideration as Manufacturer of the Year as a part of the Manufacturing Appreciation Week each spring. 

 

This year, the college nominated SNF Chemtall, JCB, Weyerhaeuser and Daniel Defense. Companies are nominated based on their size. SNF Chemtall was nominated in the large category; Weyerhaeuser and JCB in the medium category and Daniel Defense in the small category. 

 

At the June meeting of the Savannah Technical College local Board of Directors, STC President Kathy Love and STC Vice President for Economic Development Ken Boyd presented plaques to Rick Hamilton, Weyerhaeuser Manufacturing Services department manager, and Donna Carter, Daniel Defense human resources manager.

 

In making the presentation to Weyerhaeuser, a leader in the pulp and paper industry, Boyd spoke of the company as operating in its current location for 10 years, employing about 300 full-time, and as a community leader and participant in United Way, Low Country Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk, local Salvation Army Angel Tree, Second Harvest Food Bank, Earth Day Savannah, Port Wentworth Chamber of Commerce, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and as a business partner with Port Wentworth Elementary School. 

 

Daniel Defense is the manufacturing leader of firearms accessories since 2001 and a manufacturer of complete firearms since 2009 in the greater Savannah area. The company employs approximately 65 employees and has participated in numerous community organizations including the Bryan County Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion, Wounded Warrior Foundation and Friends of the National Rifle Association. 

 

The company has partnered with the college and its Industrial Systems program and has hired STC graduates. Daniel Defense was one of three finalists to receive the Governor’s 2009 International Award and has received a Certificate of Appreciation from the American Legion for its campaign to hire veterans.