Friday, February 27, 2009
PRESS RELEASE
RE: Philosopy, Performance Spur Brenner Tank's State Honor
Brenner Tank’s business philosophy and its position as a top company in its market are the reasons behind it winning a 2008 Manufacturer of the Year Award, say officials with one of the state’s leading business organizations.
Brenner Tank, 450 Arlington Ave., was among eight Wisconsin companies honored at a recognition dinner Thursday night at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.
The Fond du Lac manufacturer won in the large category, which includes companies with 300 to 999 employees.
Brenner Tank, which has more than 50 years of experience, has a top position in the North American stainless steel tank trailer market, according to a press release from Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the business organization that conducts the awards. Its products and services are sold to multinational companies, and its customers include 14 of the top 20 bulk liquid transporters in the U.S.
The company also has adopted a philosophy to produce the best products and services. Its goal is to manufacture tank trailers that can last more than 20 years in severe service with the highest reliability. Some tanks that are used daily are more than 30 years old.
Brenner Tank’s commitment to quality and innovation have led to improved products, lower costs and greater safety in tank trailers, according to the release.
Bruce Yakley, Brenner Tank's president and chief operating officer, attributed the award to employee efforts. He said workers have continued to strive for excellence, despite fears about the economy.
"We're doing a lot of things, and it's the employees," he said.
Yakley added that the award was a complete surprise, considering the list of nominees.
"All of them were deserving," he said. "It was very humbling."
Winners of the 2008 Manufacturer of the Year Awards were chosen by an independent group of judges, which included representatives from business, education, government and media.
Other nominees from Fond du Lac were MAG Giddings and Lewis (large) and Natural Stone Veneer International (small). Venture Manufacturing Group of Beaver Dam was also nominated in the small category.
Fond du Lac and Dodge County manufacturers have a bit of history with the awards. MAG Giddings and Lewis won for the 2006 and 1991 awards, and Mercury Marine took home the trophy in 2005, said WMC spokesperson Keith Hudson. Brenner Tank and Venture Manufacturing Group were nominated for 2007 as well.
This year’s other winners include — GE Healthcare of Madison, 1,000 or more employees (mega); Orion Energy Systems of Manitowoc, 50 to 299 employees (medium); and Sielaff Corporation of Mineral Point, 1 to 49 employees (small). Kettle Foods of Beloit won the Sustainability Award.
Special Awards were presented to Bruno Independent Living Aids of Oconomowoc, Crescent Printing Company of Onalaska and Neenah Paper of Neenah.
“We are proud to honor these manufacturers,” said James Haney, president of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. “Wisconsin manufacturers are recognized around the world for their innovations, cutting-edge technological advances and uncompromising commitment to customer satisfaction.”
Brenner Tank, 450 Arlington Ave., was among eight Wisconsin companies honored at a recognition dinner Thursday night at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. The Fond du Lac manufacturer won in the large category, which includes companies with 300 to 999 employees.
Brenner Tank, which has more than 50 years of experience, has a top position in the North American stainless steel tank trailer market, according to a press release from Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the business organization that conducts the awards. Its products and services are sold to multinational companies, and its customers include 14 of the top 20 bulk liquid transporters in the U.S.
The company also has adopted a philosophy to produce the best products and services. Its goal is to manufacture tank trailers that can last more than 20 years in severe service with the highest reliability. Some tanks that are used daily are more than 30 years old.
Brenner Tank’s commitment to quality and innovation have led to improved products, lower costs and greater safety in tank trailers, according to the release.
Bruce Yakley, Brenner Tank's president and chief operating officer, attributed the award to employee efforts. He said workers have continued to strive for excellence, despite fears about the economy.
"We're doing a lot of things, and it's the employees," he said.
Yakley added that the award was a complete surprise, considering the list of nominees.
"All of them were deserving," he said. "It was very humbling."
Winners of the 2008 Manufacturer of the Year Awards were chosen by an independent group of judges, which included representatives from business, education, government and media.
Other nominees from Fond du Lac were MAG Giddings and Lewis (large) and Natural Stone Veneer International (small). Venture Manufacturing Group of Beaver Dam was also nominated in the small category.
Fond du Lac and Dodge County manufacturers have a bit of history with the awards. MAG Giddings and Lewis won for the 2006 and 1991 awards, and Mercury Marine took home the trophy in 2005, said WMC spokesperson Keith Hudson. Brenner Tank and Venture Manufacturing Group were nominated for 2007 as well.
This year’s other winners include — GE Healthcare of Madison, 1,000 or more employees (mega); Orion Energy Systems of Manitowoc, 50 to 299 employees (medium); and Sielaff Corporation of Mineral Point, 1 to 49 employees (small). Kettle Foods of Beloit won the Sustainability Award.
Special Awards were presented to Bruno Independent Living Aids of Oconomowoc, Crescent Printing Company of Onalaska and Neenah Paper of Neenah.
“We are proud to honor these manufacturers,” said James Haney, president of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. “Wisconsin manufacturers are recognized around the world for their innovations, cutting-edge technological advances and uncompromising commitment to customer satisfaction.”
Source: The Reporter