MUSKEGON, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Al Hubbard, Kaydon Corporation Bearings Division plant manager in Sumter, S.C., was honored recently by the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Gov. Nikki Haley and legislative leaders for his contributions to local economic development over the past decade.
Hubbard, plant manager at the Sumter Kaydon Plant #12, was named an Ambassador for Economic Development. Kaydon has invested over $36 million in Sumter in the past five years alone, creating at least 175 jobs. The honor recognizes Hubbard for leading the facility through that period of growth and for his efforts to bring a third Kaydon facility to Sumter County.
"We're very proud of Al and of our entire team in Sumter," said James O'Leary, Kaydon Corp. chairman and CEO. "Their dedication and commitment are crucial to Kaydon's continued growth in today's very competitive marketplace. We are also extremely appreciative of the great support and partnership provided by both Sumter and South Carolina."
Hubbard was one of 47 people honored as part of South Carolina's 20th Annual Industry Appreciation Week at the Statehouse in Columbia, January 25. Gov. Nikki Haley said the group is helping the state focus on being the most competitive in the country for business development.
"We need partners across South Carolina to grow the businesses we have, recruit new ones and help put our people back to work, and that's what today is all about,” she said.
“The health of our state's economy hinges on the important contributions made by business leaders and entrepreneurs throughout South Carolina," said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce. "Whether it is bringing more capital investment and jobs to our state or supporting initiatives that bolster economic activities in communities, these ambassadors are committed to improving economic opportunities for all South Carolinians.”
Hubbard joined Kaydon Bearings in 1991 as an electronics engineer and was named the Sumter plant manager in 2001. He and his wife, Robin, have two sons.
Kaydon Corporation Bearings Division (www.kaydonbearings.com) is a leading global manufacturer of standard and custom thin-section bearings, high-level bearing assemblies, and slewing ring bearings for a wide range of manufacturing and process applications. The division is also a major supplier of remanufactured and new replacement bearings.
Kaydon Corporation (www.kaydon.com) is a leading designer and manufacturer of custom-engineered, performance-critical products, supplying a diverse group of alternative energy, industrial, aerospace, medical and electronic equipment, and aftermarket customers.