05/27/2014
Contribution by: Shelley Owens for Treasure Coast Progress & Innovation
PALM CITY — The Business Development Board of Martin County is pleased to announce that PAC Seating Systems has been named the South Florida Manufacturer of the Year in the small to mid-size employee category by the South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA).
The award was presented on March 20 at the 35th Annual Recognition of Excellence Awards Banquet in Dania Beach. PAC Seating Systems is the recognized market leader in custom and VIP jet business seating.
The SFMA received more than 65 nominations from South Florida manufacturers within four employee size categories, with approximately 20 companies competing in the small to mid-size category. The award encompasses firms in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.
The six key criteria for selection included: evaluation of leadership; strategic planning; workforce focus; process management; customer and market focus; and measurement, analysis and knowledge management. “The criteria used by the judges are to identify high performing companies in their size category. PAC Seating Systems is a high performing manufacturer, and we are proud to have them in our South Florida manufacturing business community,” said Phil Centonze, Lead Judge.
Each finalist company was visited by a panel of judges who evaluated company practices. The judges toured, observed and asked questions at PAC’s 50,000-square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Palm City. “As a relatively young and small company, it was an honor for PAC to be nominated for this prestigious award. The bar is set very high by SFMA and involves a very rigorous process including their on-site visit, phone interviews, and application process. Winning the award is a very big deal!” said Chuck Tufano, CEO and president.
The SFMA Manufacturer of the Year Award recognizes and rewards excellence in all facets of manufacturing while raising the visibility and value of manufacturing to the South Florida economy.
“PAC Seating Systems is the leader in its industry as shown by this recognition,” said Tim Dougher, executive director, BDBMC. “Congratulations to Chuck Tufano and his entire team, well deserved.”
About PAC Seating Systems
PAC Seating Systems was founded in 2002 by an accomplished core of aircraft seating professionals with more than 150 years of combined industry experience. PAC is the only custom manufacturer in the world focused on Private and VIP Business Jet seating products. The company offers an extensive and diversified line of products including divans, track and swivel seats, bed frames and jump seats, with innovative product features including custom back shells, keyhole seat pan locking system and quick release seat track fasteners.
