Elanco, a major manufacturer of animal health and food-animal production in Augusta, has been named the 2015 “Industry of the Year” by the Augusta Economic Development Authority.

The award was presented to Elanco at the First Annual “Celebration of Industries” luncheon at the Augusta Country Club on Wednesday, November 11, 2015.

In making the announcement, Authority Chairman Henry Ingram said, “With a large number of Augusta-Richmond County industries, it was obviously a difficult task to select one company over another.  However, Elanco was cited for their continued involvement in the community, their long-term stability in the local manufacturing market, and their commitment to grow with Augusta-Richmond County”

Judging for the “Industry of the Year” was done by the Southern Economic Development Council, whereby all the nominations for the award were distributed to judges in four different southeastern states in Alabama, Texas, Tennessee and Virginia.  Following reviews of the nearly two dozen nominations, Elanco was selected.

Elanco is currently investing over $100,000,000 in infrastructure and manufacturing enhancements at the Augusta Technology Center.  Recognized as an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program “Star” worksite, the Elanco Augusta Technology Center is recognized for its comprehensive safety and health management programs and has aggressive goals related to environmental impact. 

The Elanco facility currently operated at near maximum capacity, thus creating new jobs in the local market.  Additionally, Elanco is active in the local community.  Recently, half of the Elanco employees volunteered for nine various community projects during a day-long project.

Elanco provides comprehensive products and knowledge services to improve animal health and food-animal production in more than 70 countries around the world. Founded in 1954, Elanco is a division of Eli Lilly and Company.

The speaker for the “Celebration of Industries” was Hall of Fame football coach Vince Dooley.  Coach Dooley spoke about teamwork in the workplace and teamwork on the playing field, and the importance of community involvement.