Gov. Nathan Deal recently named three of Georgia’s leading companies as the 2015 Manufacturers of the Year. Prayon, located in Augusta, Ga., won in the category of 150 employees or fewer; Mitsubishi-Hitachi Power Systems Americas, Inc., Savannah, won in the category of 150-500 employees; and Milledgeville-based Triumph Aerostructures won in the category of 500 or more employees.

“These three winners are emblematic of what’s great and happening in manufacturing in Georgia,” said Gov. Deal before presenting the awards. “They create value through jobs, stimulate business throughout the supply chain and are good corporate citizens.”

Beth Allen, VP of Finance & Administration, upon receiving the award, said “Most of all, I want to thank the employees and contractors of Prayon Inc, who without you this success story would not be possible.  Success always starts with the team.  The 85 employees and 30 contractors who work for Prayon are our team….. the Prayon Team.”

This is the 21st year celebrating Manufacturing Appreciation Week in Georgia. The annual awards luncheon, held on April 14 in Atlanta, is the highlight of Georgia Manufacturing Appreciation Week, which is co-hosted by the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. This year’s sponsors included Batson-Cook Construction; The Georgia Association of Manufacturers; The Georgia Chamber of Commerce; Georgia Power; Georgia Tech’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and Habif, Arogeti & Wynne.

In his proclamation declaring April 13-17 as Manufacturing Appreciation Week, Gov. Deal noted the tremendous contribution manufacturing makes to the state’s economic well-being. Nearly 9,305 manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia, according to the proclamation, and they provide 367,153 jobs, generating nearly $19.5 billion in wages for Georgia’s citizens and contributing more than $100 billion to the state’s economy each year.

The three winning companies were nominated by business and civic leaders and chosen for their excellence and contributions to the state’s economy and their respective local communities.