Milestone dinner recognizes business longevity

Ten local companies were honored Tuesday at the Manufacturing Milestone Anniversary Recognition Event organized by Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County.

The fifth annual event was designed to recognize companies celebrating the milestone anniversaries of their operations in Sedalia and Pettis County.

Sedalia Mayor Elaine Horn and Pettis County Presiding Commissioner Rusty Kahrs said the annual recognition dinner provides an opportunity for government leaders and members of the community to acknowledge the investments and jobs created by the local businesses that help define the region.

“Tonight gives us the chance to say ‘thank you’ for enhancing our community,” Horn said.

This year, 10 companies were recognized for their longevity and contributions to the local economy, with six celebrating anniversaries of 30 years or more.

Coca-Cola Bottling Company celebrated its 90th anniversary in Sedalia this year after opening in 1919. The distribution center, which is owned by Coca-Cola Enterprises, employs 33 people in Sedalia.

Sales and facility manager Mark Dennis said the business has seen many changes since it first opened in Sedalia, but the support of the community remained intact.

“I wanted to thank Sedalia and Pettis County and all the customers that have kept us in business for 90 years,” Dennis said.

Pepsi Americas’ Sedalia distribution center, which employs 70 people and serves more than a dozen communities in the area, celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2009. Manager Kevin Webb credited the company’s employees for its long-term success.

Jerry and Dorothy Iuchs, owners of Sedalia Steel & Wire, also were recognized for 55 years of doing business in Sedalia. The Iuchs opened the wholesale distributor of electrical, plumbing and heating supplies in 1954. Since then, the two-employee company has added computer supplies to their product line and also performs computer repairs.

“Sedalia has been good to Sedalia Steel & Wire,” Jerry Iuchs said. “We have enjoyed it, and we thank you for this honor.”

Two local companies that have been in Sedalia for 30 years also received plaques at Tuesday’s event. Gardner Denver and WireCo World Group both opened Sedalia facilities in 1979, and now both employ more than 200 people.

Swearingen said Sedalia boosts one of the largest U.S. facilities for Gardner Denver, which has more than 65 locations in 30 countries around the world.

Randy Lee, Gardner Denver’s human resources manager, said the community support and the training provided at State Fair Community College has allowed the company to develop a strong labor base for its Sedalia facility.

After becoming one of the premium manufacturers of compressors in the country in 30 years, Lee was hopeful the business will continue to grow in Sedalia in the coming decades.

After 30 years in Sedalia, WireCo recently announced plans for a 185,000 square-foot expansion and the addition of a distribution center at its local facility. Manager Randy Ritter said in the last two years, the Sedalia branch also has won two corporate awards for productivity and meeting budget goals.

“The one reason we won those awards, actually the 213 reasons, is the people,” Ritter said. “They are the most productive, hardest-working people in the corporation.”

Other companies honored at the Manufacturing Milestone event were Print Lynx, which has been in Sedalia for 25 years; Main Street Logo, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009; ABF Freight, which opened in Sedalia 15 years ago; Impact Signs & Lighting Co., which was honored for its 10th year in Pettis County; and Custom Fabrication & Equipment, which also celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.