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ROCKMART, Ga., Oct. 5, 2011 – Major Gen. Jim Butterworth, Georgia’s Adjutant General, traveled today to this Northwest Georgia city with Gov. Nathan Deal and Chris Cumminskey, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, to congratulate the employees at Meggitt Polymer and Composites for being named the 2011 Large Manufacturer of the Year by the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Here, from the left, Butterworth, Deal and Cumminskie listen as Meggitt’s deputy president John Skubina explains how plant technicians use molds like this one for the engine intake of a Sikorsky CH-53 helicopter to make parts for that aircraft and many others during a tour of the company’s facilities.

Meggitt Polymer and Composites designs and develops aircraft seals, flexible fuel tanks and coatings, complex composite structures, smart ice protection systems and sub-assemblies, and interior panels and accessories for several civil and military, fixed and rotary wing aircraft, and military vehicles. Among them are the UH-72A Lakota, the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and the Humvee, all of which are used by the Georgia Army and Air Guard. According to company officials, Meggitt also has a large number of Georgia Guardsmen and Reservists among its more than 1,000 employees.

“On behalf of our more than 14,000 Citizen-Soldiers and Airman, it’s my pleasure to be here to honor this great group of men and women,” Butterworth said. “It’s because of their commitment to quality that we in the Guard, and all the services, are able to do our jobs, confident that the equipment we operate is the among the best in the world.”

During his address to his fellow employees, Skubina said Meggitt has always understood the importance of what the Guard does, and it is that understanding that continually drives the company toward the highest standards of quality.

“We appreciate what the National Guard and all the services do for us,” Skubina said. “As we continue to stand behind each and every product we manufacture, we will continue to stand behind those among us who leave our ranks to join yours when ever they get the call, however long they may be called to serve.”