Nordson’s Dawsonville location was selected in early January as one of the top 20 manufacturing plants in the nation in 2008 by Industry Week magazine.

The annual competition salutes plants on the leading edge of manufacturing and encourages managers and work teams to emulate the honorees by adopting world-class practices, technologies and improvement strategies. 

Nordson’s Swainsboro plant was also recognized.

This was the first year the Dawsonville plant entered the contest, which evaluates a variety of criteria, including performance, quality systems, operation improvements, management and manufacturing practices, as well as customer and employee relations. 

Jeff Pembroke, Nordson’s vice president of North American Operations, said the recognition symbolized the path the company has taken as an organization.

“We were very excited when we heard the facility was named to the finalist list,” he said.

The Dawsonville plant produces products used in the manufacturing of adhesives for baby diapers, disposable hygiene products and in food, beverage and consumer product labeling.

Factory Manager Jeff Skimel concedes the award belongs to the plant’s 70 employees and their commitment to their duties, both at the plant and in the community.

“Our efforts have paid off. We know we are doing good things,” said Skimel, who credits the plant’s achievements to the family atmosphere and open dialogue among staff.

John Keane, senior vice president of the Nordson Adhesive Systems division, said he is confident there will be continuous improvement throughout all of the company’s manufacturing facilities.

“Our Swainsboro and Dawsonville facilities have been able to enhance and tighten every aspect of our production, improve our global competitiveness and increase our levels of community service and involvement,” he said.

Nordson Corporation is one of the world’s leading producers of precision dispensing equipment that applies adhesives, sealants and coatings to a broad range of consumer and industrial products during manufacturing operations.

Headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, Nordson has more than 4,100 employees worldwide, and direct operations and sales support offices in 32 countries.

E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.