By By Adrienne McKenzie
Muskogee Metalworks has received national recognition as the National Minority Manufacturer of the Year.
The National Minority Manufacturer of the Year award is given away annually to minority manufacturers that are certified. The award is given by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Minority Business Development Agency.
"I will accept the award at MED (Minority Enterprise Development) Week in Atlanta," Mal McGhee, general manager of Muskogee Metalworks said in a Coastal Gateway press release.
McGhee will accept the award in Atlanta Aug. 20. However, Atlanta is not the only city recognizing the Atmore-based company.
"We will also be recognized in Mobile at the Alabama MBDA (Minority Business Development Agency) and in Washington, D.C.," McGhee said.
In order to qualify as the National Minority Manufacturer of the Year, a company must be a certified minority manufacturer. Also, the company must be nominated by a minority organization.
"We are a wholly owned and operated tribal enterprise and were nominated by the Southeast Region Minority Development Council," McGhee said.
Muskogee Metalworks is a company in corporation with the Creek Indian Enterprises (CIE), which is part of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. It was chosen from many applicants to be given the National Minority Manufacturer of the Year award. There were applicants from all over the United States. A small group of the applicants were submitted to a selection committee at a national level.
Even though McGhee has not officially accepted the award, he has seen an increase in awareness of the company because of the award.
"The recognition has already generated a huge amount of attention," McGhee said. "This positive exposure is great for Muskogee Metalworks, the Tribe, our the community and the state. The marketing benefits will be priceless."
According to the Muskogee Metalworks Web site, the company has been in business for 18 years. Primarily, Muskogee Metalworks deals with designing and manufacturing metal fabricated hardware. The product line includes electronic assemblies and electro-mechanical production. Approximately 40 employees work at the Muskogee Metalworks site in Atmore.
Muskogee Metalworks is a growing company and with that growth, relationships are established which produces more business opportunities.
The U.S. Air Force has been a good branch of the military to work with for the past 10 years, according to McGhee.
"They have awarded us contracts that have allowed us to grow," McGhee said. "Their programs such as mentor/prot/g/ and manufacturing assistance production program we participated in have been extremely helpful."
Muskogee Metalworks employees use information to develop the company in all areas.
"Our gross sales will exceed $12 million this year, with 90 percent coming from the Department of Defense," McGhee said. "This is an over 300 percent increase from last year's great year."
Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Authority president Wiley Blankenship said in a press release that he is happy with the announcement of Muskogee Metalworks' recognition.
"Coastal Gateway and its investors would like to congratulate Muskogee Metalworks on this prestigious award and recognition," Blankenship said. "Muskogee Metalworks reflects the dedication and caliber of the region's highly skilled workforce. We are proud that Muskogee Metalworks has been recognized as the best of the best."