Submitted report
McALESTER —
Choctaw Defense has earned the 2012 Excellence In Innovation Award from the Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
Coordinated through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, it is an award that pays tribute to manufacturing innovation development and implementation.
Choctaw Defense operates three Oklahoma manufacturing plants in McAlester, Hugo and Antlers.
“Choctaw Defense is a clear example to us of what it takes for a company to succeed in a globally competitive market,” said Roger Kilmer, head of the MEP. “There will always be someone willing to produce a product for a penny less. Choctaw instead builds their business on being constantly innovative. They set an example for how manufacturing can succeed in America.”
Choctaw Defense competed with more than 75 nominees from around the country for the award, which was presented during the Manufacturing Innovation 2012 Conference on May 8 in Orlando.
“Manufacturing is at the heart and soul of Oklahoma and the talented people in our factories and workshops are the key to driving a strong economy,” said Chuck Prucha, president of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, the state’s MEP affiliate.
