Angela Harlan, dean of allied health and nursing at SKYCTC, which served as the Industry of the Year sponsor, presented Suntec with the night's capstone award. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
PRESS RELEASE
Glasgow News 1
Barren Inc, the Barren County Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Industry Impact Awards Banquet sponsored by Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College on Thursday, September 26th at the Cave Area Conference Center.
The awards banquet was created to recognize local industries for their contributions and investments in Barren County. The event consisted of economic development updates from Barren Inc. President & CEO, Maureen Carpenter, and featured an awards ceremony. The event was attended by 160+ members, community leaders, and business executives. 4 local industries were recognized during the event.
The first awards given out were the 2024 Expansion Awards. This award serves to recognize existing industries that have recently expanded their operations in Barren County with significant investment and new job creation. The first expansion award was presented to Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and was accepted by Marty Ross. Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global pharmaceuticals company, developing, manufacturing, and distributing over 280 generic and specialty pharmaceuticals. Their recent expansion will include a fully renovated facility and will bring a new piece of business to the Barren County location within a year and a half, bringing with it the creation of new jobs.
Dickerson Lumber Company was also recognized and received a 2024 Expansion Award. Elliot Dickerson, Vice President of Dickerson Lumber Company accepted the award on behalf of the company. Family owned and operated Dickerson Lumber Company is a manufacturer of Appalachian hardwood lumber and various wood products, with the bourbon industry being their major customer base. Their operation in Barren County extends over 70 years, and their recent expansion consisted of a 2.5 million dollar investment with the creation of 10 new jobs. The expansion involved the installation of a new line and an increased truck fleet.
The next award given out was the 2024 New Business Award. This award recognizes new industries that have located and invested in Barren County. This year Sharp Carts LLC received the award, and Jim Tucker the General Manager of the Barren County facility accepted on behalf of the organization. Sharp Carts LLC specializes in providing shopping carts and related products to retailers nationwide. With a seasoned supply channel rich in history, they utilize proven designs that demonstrate extreme durability. Manufactured for longevity, their carts undergo an E-coat, powder-coat process specifically engineered to ensure endurance through the most heavy-use and rigorous of conditions. Sharp Carts has invested 15 million dollars in the community and has currently created 15 new jobs, with goals to expand to 40-50 new jobs next summer. Sharp Carts is committed to Barren County and is optimistic that its powder coat process will open new opportunities for continued growth in the future.
The final award given out during the evening was the 2024 Industry of the Year. This award recognizes a local industry that is dedicated to the community and has consistently provided a lasting impact on Barren County. The 2024 Industry of the Year Award was presented to Suntec Industries Inc. Dr. Angela Harlan with Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College presented the award to Robby Parnell, the Production Manager for Suntec Industries Glasgow location. In 1984 Suntec was founded by the takeover of the Hydraulic Division of Sundstrand Corporation Group. Suntec designs, manufactures, and markets an unrivaled range of gear pumps and accessories.
As a partner of the largest heating system manufacturers, Suntec also offers technical solutions for all applications using gear pump-high pressure cleaners, exhaust gas treatment, and hydraulic systems. Suntec has two production sites, one in Dijon, France, and the other located right here in Barren County, KY. Through their sites, Suntec has an extensive network of customers and distributors. The quality, reliability, and performance of their products have enabled them to offer innovative and pioneering products on the market. Recently the Barren County Economic Authority celebrated the 40th anniversary of Suntec Industries with a ribbon cutting, where they also announced their updated Webster Line.
“Industry awards are a testament to the dedication, innovation, and standards of excellence exhibited by our local industries. These awards are more than just trophies; they are symbols of the incredible talent and potential within our community. As Chamber President, I believe that by celebrating these achievements, we not only honor our members but also foster a culture of continuous improvement and growth that benefits our entire business community.” said Maureen Carpenter, President & CEO of Barren Inc.
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