Pitt County presented two local manufacturers with honors at the 30th Annual Existing Industries Reception. Pitt County Industry of the Year awards went to Fuji Silysia Chemical USA Ltd. and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.
Hosted by Pitt County Economic Development, the reception was held on October 8, 2024 at the Hilton Greenville, sponsor of the event along with the Greenville ENC Alliance, Greenville Utilities, and Electricities. The event was scheduled during National Manufacturing Week, October 4-11 2024, to highlight the accomplishments and impacts of local industries. Pitt County Commissioners approved a proclamation on September 16, 2024 to celebrate National Manufacturing Week.
“It is appropriate that we hold this event during National Manufacturing Week,” said Kelly Andrews, Pitt County Economic Development Director. “Our existing industries are some of Pitt County’s highest tax payers, largest employers, and major philanthropic donors, and their impact to our economy and communities is much appreciated.”
The Pitt County Industry of the Year – Small Business Award recognized Fuji Silysia Chemical for its innovation, growth, and positive impact on the community. Fuji Silysia was founded in Osaka, Japan nearly 100 years ago. In 1999, Greenville was selected for their new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which included a relocation of existing U.S. operations from Portland, Oregon. Since its completion in 2000, Fuji Silysia’s fully automated Greenville plant has continued to expand its capabilities in the production of micronized silica gel and chromatography silica. The silica gel market is expanding due to its versatility as
a moisture absorber and drying agent in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food packaging, electronics, and chemicals. Fuji Silysia now serves all of the Americas, adding jobs, investing in equipment, and contributing to the Pitt County economy for nearly 25 years.
"We are deeply humbled and honored to receive this recognition, and this award is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication,” said Brian Baymiller of Fuji Silysia Chemical USA Ltd. “We appreciate
the invaluable support we’ve received from Pitt County Economic Development, the Greenville ENC Alliance, Pitt Community College, ECU, NC Works, EDPNC, as well as many others. Together, we’ve built something special here and are excited about what the future holds.”
The Pitt County Industry of the Year - Large Business Award for 2024 went to Hyster-Yale Materials Handling for its many contributions to the economy and the community. Hyster-Yale designs, engineers, manufactures, sells, and services a comprehensive line of lift trucks, attachments, aftermarket parts and technology solutions marketed globally primarily under the Hyster® and Yale® brand names. The Hyster® and Yale® brands maintain one of the leading market share positions both in the Americas and worldwide. They celebrate their 50th anniversary in Pitt County this year.
Hyster-Yale operates its division headquarters, warehouse development center and warehouse lift truck manufacturing facility in Greenville, employing over 1,400 locally and 8,300 globally. This summer, they announced the consolidation of their Global Emerging Technology division to space in Intersect East, ECU’s Millennial Campus, bringing 120 jobs to downtown Greenville. The new technology center will develop and deploy new materials handling technologies.
“We are honored to receive the award for Large Industry of the Year and proud to be a part of the Pitt County community,” said Michael Gregory, VP, HR Americas and Global HR Programs.
“Special thanks to Pitt County Economic Development for the work they are doing to grow our area and of course to our Hyster-Yale team members who are dedicated to meeting the needs of our customers.”
The Existing Industries Reception also recognized industries with significant anniversaries, including Grady-White Boats, with 65 years in Pitt County, and Mestek celebrating 50 years.
“Pitt County Economic Development is proud to honor Fuji Silysia and Hyster-Yale for their ongoing success and undeniable achievements,” said Andrews. “As we celebrate National Manufacturing Week, we cannot emphasize enough the positive impacts that our local manufacturers provide, not just in jobs and investments, but in true partnership and community involvement that make Pitt County a better place to work and live.”
For more information, contact Pitt County Economic Development at (252) 902-2078.
The Mission of Pitt County Government is to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of our community by advocating for and providing quality services in a friendly and cost-effective manner. Learn more: www.PittCountyNC.gov
Media Contact:
Dawn C. Jones
Director, Public Information & Media Relations, Pitt County
(252) 902-2955