As part of its Manufacturing Appreciation Week, the state of Georgia has recognized Nordson Corporation’s (Nasdaq: NDSN) Swainsboro manufacturing facility as its mid-size manufacturer of the year. The prestigious award was presented to Nordson by Georgia Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle during ceremonies in Atlanta yesterday hosted by the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

The award is based on multiple criteria including economic impact on the community and surrounding area, corporate responsibility and community involvement programs, workforce excellence, and letters of support. Nordson operates two facilities in the state in the cities of Swainsboro and Johns Creek. The facilities support the company’s adhesive dispensing systems segment, which manufactures precision equipment used in a wide variety of consumer packaging, nonwovens and general product assembly applications.

“We are extremely honored to accept this award. Georgia is a great place to do business and we’ve been operating in the state for more than 23 years,” said Jim DeVries, Nordson’s Corporate Vice President of Global Continuous Improvement. “Due to the tremendous growth of our business, we opened a new expanded facility in Swainsboro last year just miles away from our previous facility. The City of Swainsboro, the Swainsboro Chamber of Commerce and the local Joint Development Authority have always been great partners and they were instrumental in making this new facility a reality. As a result of this strong partnership, the Swainsboro workforce has tripled to over 180 workers, many of whom were hired through Georgia’s Quickstart program. It is the hard work of all our employees in both our Swainsboro and John’s Creek facilities that continues to drive the success of Nordson as well as the continued success of the state of Georgia.

“I’d also like to point out that a successful business climate can, in turn, impact the quality of life in the surrounding community,” continued DeVries. “Every year, Nordson donates millions of dollars to charities, and, just as importantly, our employees donate thousands of hours through our Time and Talent program. Much of that investment happens right here in the state of Georgia through partnerships with organizations like the Sunshine House, Safe Haven, Willow Hill Heritage Center, 21st Century Leaders, United Way and Relay for Life. We see it as our responsibility to share our success, and we are proud to work together with such great organizations that make the state of Georgia a better place to live and work.”