The First Coast Manufacturers Association (FCMA) announced the winners of its 2011 “Excellence In Manufacturing” awards at a special luncheon at the University of North Florida, with Vistakon winning two awards and Vac-Con winning the “Manufacturer of the Year” for the largest manufacturer.

The winning manufacturers include:

2011 Manufacturer of the Year (large) – Vac-Con, Inc. 

The company is a manufacturer of truck mounted vacuum, water jet and vacuum excavation equipment for commercial and municipal environmental applications worldwide. Located in Green Cove Springs, it has grown in the last 25 years to become a top competitor in its markets. Products are distributed through a large network of domestic and foreign dealers. One of the largest private employers in Clay County, it is a strong supporter of the local community.

2011 Manufacturer of the Year (medium) – Harris Lighting 

Located in Green Cove Springs, Harris has over 40 years experience designing and manufacturing energy efficient lighting systems for large and small businesses across North America.   

2011 Manufacturer of the Year (small) – Alternate Energy Technologies, LLC (AET)

Established in 1975, AET is the largest manufacturer of flat plate solar thermal collectors in the US. With over 30 collectors and 120 systems tested/approved, AET solar products provide years of reliable energy savings with collectors comprised of the highest quality materials, including Thermafin’s patented Crystal Clear^TM Selective Coating on all Absorber plates. 

2011 Founders Service Award – Fleet Readiness Center Southeast

For more than 70 years, Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) has been performing in-depth overhaul, repair and modification to aircraft, engines and aeronautical components.  FRCSE employs more than 4,000 civilian and military personnel working in more than 120 specialized career fields.   FRCSE successfully maintained the ISO 14001:2004 and AS9100:2004 Revision B third party certifications. 

2011 Associate of the Year – Peak 10

Peak 10 Inc. is a managed services and cloud provider that delivers secure solutions for hosting and managing complex information technology infrastructure.

2011 Environmental Award – Saft America

Saft is a world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced technology batteries for industrial and defense applications. Founded in 1918 and headquartered in Paris, there are 19 locations worldwide with over 4,000 employees. Saft Jacksonville is a LEED Certified, state of the art manufacturing facility for the production of lithium-ion cells, modules and batteries.

2011 Education Award AND Economic Impact Award – Vistakon, Inc. 

Vistakon is the world’s leading manufacturer of contact lenses. It has continued capital investments in the latest technologies and a corresponding investment in its workforce. Vistakon provides many ways for associates to enhance their skills, from on-site classes led by experienced peers to off-site seminars led by recognized experts to tuition refund programs. Vistakon reflects the Johnson & Johnson corporate philosophy to invest in its employees, and continues to build a strong First Coast manufacturing presence.

The First Coast Manufacturers Association is a non-profit trade association serving Northeast Florida. There are over 1,500 manufacturing companies on the First Coast, supplying over 30,000 jobs and generating nearly 15% of the total gross regional product. Additional media information on FCMA is available at www.fcmaweb.com.