Impacting the Community

Glade Spring, Virginia Plant Receives Manufacturer of the Year Award

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM) presented Utility’s Glade Spring, Virginia plant with the 2014 Manufacturer of the Year Award. This award is given to manufacturing companies that have gone above and beyond in the categories of innovation, corporate citizenship, and advocacy.

Larry Souverielle, President of the SVAM Board of Directors and Lennie Gail Dunlop, SVAM Executive Director presented the award to Sam Cassell, Plant Manager for Utility’s Glade Spring manufacturing plant.

Sam Cassell, Plant Manager of Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company in Glade Spring VA, accepts award from SVAM

David Matlock, Vice President of Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) nominated Utility for this annual SVAM award. Matlock spoke highly of Utility’s willingness to partner with the institution’s Career and College Readiness Coaching Program. “I cannot explain in words the value Utility added to the Program. Utility was the perfect partner in educating students about closing the skills gap for regional manufacturers.  Utility’s partnership with VHCC lives up to the SVAM mission and vision,” said Matlock.

SVAM awarded Utility for a variety of other achievements that have positively impacted the quality of life in Virginia, including the many benefits they offer to their employees, their role in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and their involvement in Dress for Success – a program in collaboration with SVAM and local manufacturers that helps secure clothing for underprivileged high school seniors entering the manufacturing field.

“I’m extremely proud of our manufacturing plant for their contribution in bringing a positive impact to the local community,” said Hal Bennett, President for Utility. “We are honored to be part of this great organization whose vision aligns with Utility’s. We will continue to support SVAM in their quest for the sustainment and advancement of manufacturing in the Southwest Virginia region.”

SVAM is a nonprofit membership organization created to build networking and skills training programs for industries, to educate the public about advanced manufacturing, and to publicize career opportunities.