The manufacturing industry continues to be among the largest drivers for the regional economy of the Carolinas. According to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, there are more than 3,000 manufacturers in the region, and employment within the industry has doubled the national average for the last six years. This week, Charlotte Business Journal recognized companies and individuals in this sector in a variety of categories. With a large presence along the CHAR-ROCK Corridor (between Charlotte, North Carolina and Rock Hill, South Carolina), Atlas Copco – a world-leading manufacturer of, compressed air equipment, portable power equipment, vacuum pumps and industrial tools – was awarded the “Supply Chain Innovator of the Year” award. This recognition honored the company’s dedication to growing its presence within the region through jobs, a responsible environmental footprint, and the creation of innovative products. Job Growth Not less than 100 new talented employees have been recruited for positions such as design project engineers, manufacturing engineers, sourcing engineers, quality assurance engineers, supply chain specialists, assembly and logistics operators, and human resources. Environmental Footprint Atlas Copco is in the process of investing close to $2m in a new solar renewable energy, saving 600 Tons of CO2 per year. Innovation In 2019, the plant has designed 17 innovative products dedicated to the North American market. To manufacture them, the plant has invested several million dollars in an innovative supply chain setup. This new world-class assembly flow enables the plant to double its capacity through more flexible and efficient assembly lines. The award was won specifically by the Atlas Copco Manufacturing facility located at Paragon Way, Rock Hill, South Carolina – one of five major offices located in what the company refers to as the CHAR-ROCK region. Rock Hill has been home to companies from the Atlas Copco Group for over 20 years and employs close to 800 people through North and South Carolina. The Paragon Way manufacturing facility was officially opened in 2017, is a LEED-certified building and is responsible for manufacturing many of the products sold by the Power Technique business area, as well as producing medical devices which are used in hospitals around the globe. Frederic Genestout, general manager of the Atlas Copco Product Manufacturing facility received the award and was joined by some of his colleagues who played a key role in leading innovation and economic development within the industry and region. “This was a great effort by a great team; this award only goes to demonstrate our commitment to the Charlotte and Rock Hill areas and to making new, innovative, localized products for our customers,” stated Genestout. Atlas Copco continues to strive to bring development through job growth, innovation and creation into the next decade. Currently, the company is hiring in several areas of expertise. For a list of current positions available in both North and South Carolina, visit www.atlascopco.com/char-rock. For more information about the award or the work that Atlas Copco is undertaking, please contact Erin Heaney at eheaney@tbaww.com or 843-995-1322.