FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lehigh Valley Business Honors the Region’s Top Businesses and Business Leaders
Hayes Ivy Manufacturing has been named a finalist in the “Business of the Year 1 – 25 Employees” category in the 2016 Lehigh Valley Business, Business of the Year awards program. The award program, produced by Lehigh Valley Business, the Greater Lehigh Valley’s premier business news publication, is presented by Highmark Blue Shield and sponsored by Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, ESSA Bank & Trust, Kreisher Miller, Peerless Business Advisors, ArtsQuest, and Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.
The Business of the Year awards program celebrates the region’s most dynamic businesses and business leaders who share a commitment to professional excellence, business growth and the community. Finalists were selected in six categories: Business of the Year (1-24 Employees), Business of the Year (25-100 Employees), Business of the Year (101+ Employees), Emerging Business of the Year, Corporate Citizen of the Year (Individual) and Corporate Citizen of the Year (Organization).
In addition three individuals were chosen to be inducted into the Lehigh Valley Business Hall of Fame, and one individual was selected as the Executive of the Year.
Finalists and winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges including: Polly Beste, Retired President, Beste Marketing Services, Inc, Dan Crowley, Director, Business Advisory Services, Quadrant Private Wealth, R. Chadwick Paul, President & CEO, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Bernard Story, President & CEO, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.
The Business of the Year award finalists will be recognized and the winner in each category will be announced during a formal awards dinner on December 6, 2016 at ArtsQuest in Bethlehem, PA.
Hayes Ivy Manufacturing, Inc (HIMI) has been a global leader in the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Industry for 58 years by providing world-class innovation and a commitment to quality on products that consistently create value and efficiency for consumers in diverse market segments including Restaurants, Institutional, Educational, and Medical. All of HIMI’s products are 100% Made in the USA and carry prestigious Standards such as NSF and WQA, and ISO-9001 Certification. HIMI has maintained the highest of performance ratings from their customers and is the Preferred Vendor of several OEM’s, some of which have been loyal to HIMI for over 53 years. HIMI has three main product lines: the Instinct Automatic Commercial Faucet, the FlexCool Freezer/Cooler Curtain, and Dura Guard Dishmachine Curtains.
Fortunately, it’s deep and strong foundation as a business, and it’s eager participation in important global commerce, has enabled HIMI to endure the many challenges it faced in its 58 years. From the early trials of a young family business starting from scratch and breaking into new markets with new products, to the resonating effects of the Great Recession, HIMI has continued to grow in strength and wisdom through it all. The tightening of lending standards following the housing crisis in the US could have potentially affected the company’s procurement of essential manufacturing equipment. Also, and as an ongoing challenge, entering certain markets such as Mexico has been difficult as the high taxes and duties on some countries’ imports are prohibitive. Moreover, depending on currency exchange rates and fluctuating shipping costs, HIMI’s international customers may at times prefer to procure locally. Additionally, as the evolution of factory work is creating the need for higher-skilled workers, many manufacturers are having a difficult time recruiting ample suitable talent.
HIMI’s brands, having been time-tested and proven, are regarded as staples in commercial kitchens. Also, the largest of their target markets, the restaurant industry, has fared relatively well during last decade’s recession and has realized real growth every year since. To keep costs as low as possible, HIMI employs lean practices in their manufacturing and business processes. They also extrude their own plastic that they use in many of their products, further containing their overall costs of manufacturing. Furthermore, because of their strong brands, HIMI has been able to maintain profitable price levels despite pressure from their customer’s all-too-often wishes to tighten their own costs. More recently, HIMI has established a second location in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, focusing on Sales and Marketing, and has initiated a very successful, major marketing campaign for the re-branding of two of its product lines. They have plans to continue this momentum with new product development in the near future. Overall, the company has enjoyed measurable success due to strong leadership, dedicated and enthusiastic workers, quality products, and vast experience in the industry.
Because HIMI recognizes their employees as their greatest asset — and each one as an important stakeholder — much consideration is given to ensuring the growth, safety, and happiness of its team. The company has always sought to employ local residents — taking advantage of the stable and loyal local workforce that has resulted in many employees remaining with them for over 40 years. With much discernment, the owners and management are able to groom willing employees for upward mobility. Mr. Knight provides every tool and resource needed for his employees to do their jobs with excellence. As a small and dynamic company, HIMI has been able to create a culture that is comfortable and unpretentious. The company’s management is always available and willing to listen to, and meet the needs of, their employees. Much flexibility is given, especially when it come to the needs of employees’ families, personal health, and professional growth. Training and education continuance is encouraged and subsidized by the company. Excellent work performance and exemplary attitude is met with reward. HIMI employees enjoy a generous 401K Matching program and Profit Sharing Plan. At minimum, a living wage is provided for even entry-level positions, and employee Health Insurance coverage and other medical benefits are, and always have been, paid for 100% by the company. They also provide a generous PTO and Paid Holiday structure.
Hayes Ivy Manufacturing, Inc. is a second-generation, family-owned company founded by Silsby H. and Ivy Knight, and headquartered in the historic Pleasant Corners, New Tripoli, since 1970. Maintaining a commitment to the local community held by his parents, President and CEO, Peter H. Knight, supports the area’s volunteer fire companies and various other local organizations including Northwestern Schools and Ontelaunee Park, where the company has held it’s annual Employee Appreciation picnics. The company allows the solicitation of many community and employees’ fundraising efforts. HIMI has always been generous to local food-service businesses — providing them with complementary parts and services for their commercial kitchens. The New Tripoli location also serves as a UPS Community Drop Off Center, furthering the good-neighbor presence the company has always enjoyed. Mr. Knight serves on Kutztown University’s Foundation Board of Directors.
