Exeter company takes top award at economic summit
Handgun manufacturer Sig Sauer has been named the New Hampshire Department of Resources & Economic Development’s company of the year.The award, along with several others, was presented during DRED’s 14th annual New Hampshire Economic Development Summit at the Radisson Hotel Nashua.“Sig Sauer is a company that truly exemplifies the meaning of the word innovation,” said DRED Commissioner George Bald in presenting the award. “With a skilled workforce that is forward-thinking and dedicated to creative product development, Sig Sauer has built a world class firm that New Hampshire can be proud of.”Exeter-based Sig Sauer, which employs about 380, has more than tripled its workforce in the past 30 months, invested $18 million in manufacturing facilities and equipment and significantly expanded its engineering base.Other awards and winners at the economic summit were:• Special Achievement Award: The town of Colebrook for helping to keep Le Rendez-Vous bakery open when the business was in danger of closing due to a visa issue.• Exemplary Effort Award: New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership Director of Operations Zenagui Brahim for his leadership in spearheading the Governor’s Manufacturing Leadership Series and the New Hampshire Advanced Manufacturing & High Technology Summit.• Teamwork Award: WMUR, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Southern New Hampshire University for organizing the two WMUR Project Economy Job Fair & Career Expos that helped to re-employ hundreds of New Hampshire workers.• Award for Media Excellence: Jack Heath of WTPL for his “New Hampshire Today” program and his “First Class Business” segment, which highlights positive business happenings in the state.• Special Governor’s Commendation: Public Service of New Hampshire Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott for his support of state business recruitment efforts and ongoing commitment to the New Hampshire business community.The economic development summit was sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire with support from media sponsor NHBR.
