Parent Co. of Skyjack, CareLift Named Manufacturer of the Year

October 29, 2007 • Linamar Corp., Guelph, Ontario, parent company of Skyjack and CareLift Equipment Ltd., celebrated a major milestone last week after the company was named Manufacturer of the Year by the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters organization.

 

On top of that, the company also received the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's 2007 Outstanding Business Achievement Award in the large business category, and Linamar's founder and board chair was inducted into the Canadian Manufacturing Hall of Fame at Windsor's St. Clair Center for the Arts for significant contributions to Canadian business.

 

Amy Terrill, spokesperson for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, told the Guelph Mercury that Linamar is a leader in business. "They're setting a great example," she said. The company was cited by Ontario business chamber judges for its strong growth in a volatile industry, as well as innovation, diversity, and staff training.

 

"Obviously, Linamar has demonstrated outstanding growth," Terrill said, citing a sales jump of 87 percent over the past five years, which includes a 200 percent rise in foreign sales. The company reported revenues of $2.3 billion last year.

 

"One of the things that really stood out for the judges was a commitment to their people," she added. Linamar is currently building a new training and research facility in Guelph. Terill also said the judges liked Linamar's close ties to area colleges to provide for post-secondary education opportunities for its staff, as well as the company's commitment to continuous improvement of its products and processes.