Made in the High Country 2014

( Global Manufacturing )

( Boondocks )

( GE Aviation )

( Highland International )

A special publication of

Made in the High Country

Page 2

Sept. 25, 2014

Global Manufacturing is a service company that produces niche products such as LED light arrays and casino gaming circuit boards.

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Global Manufacturing Services Inc. Offering American-made circuit boards for worldwide consumers

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est Jefferson’s Global Manufacturing Services Inc. has been assembling high quality products in the High Country since 1987.

GMS produces projects ranging from LED light arrays for casino gaming circuit boards to foot pedals for a quiet electric fishing boat.

Arlie Keith, founder and president of GMS, and his daughter, Andria Morgan, has operated the business well into the ‘1990s and the first years of the new century.

In January 2004, the business was sold to an individual investor, and the business declined in 2008. Keith assumed the task of restoring the business to its former level of operation.

Through all of this, GMS is now a successful business that manufactures products used all around the world, according to Keith.

Global Manufacturing is a service company. Many of the products it manufactures are niche productions for whatever is ordered from other companies, as is the case with the Frank Jones’ Twin Troller

GMS has adopted advanced technologies for manufacturing.

Electric Fishing Boat.

GMS has a team of dedicated engineers who can take a simple sketch and turn it

into a reality, company officials said.

GMS’s sales and shipping is contracted, so that the 30 to 35 local employees can fo-

cus on manufacturing top-notch products.

In an effort to provide a safe and clean environment for employees, GMS has adopted more advanced technologies for manufacturing, such as selective soldering over wave soldering.

No stranger to the High Country, GMS got its start with United Chemi-Con, another West Jefferson business, that manufactures aluminum electric capacitors. However, GMS is still a worldwide company with associates in Thailand.

Its mission statement is honest and simple — the end goal, as with many companies, is to be fair to their shareholders.

How they do so, however, is what makes GMS a community friendly operation.

“We seek to do this by delivering topquality products at reasonable prices, employing our friends and neighbors and trying to accomplish this while being a good neighbor in our community and with the least negative impact on the environment as possible,” officials said.

For more information, contact Andria Morgan at (336) 246-5143 or visit www. gblms.com.

Sept. 25, 2014

Made in the High Country

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Boondocks Brewing has community on tap

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n Aug. 1, 2012, Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant opened for business in historic downtown West Jefferson with a mission to provide something new, unique, engaging and local to Ashe County.

In early 2013, Boondocks Brewing became Ashe County’s first commercially licensed craft beer brewery.

Since opening, Boondocks Brewing has worked with local farmers to not only increase the amount of locally produced ingredients that can be found on its menu, but to also help local producers better understand the special needs of a full-service restaurant.

Many of these small businesses were only accustomed to the farmers’ market way of selling their items until the team at Boondocks Brewing started working with them. Now, not only are these farmers better prepared to service the needs of Boondocks Brewing, they are also better positioned to supply other local restaurants.

On the brewing side of the business, owner and head brewer Gary Brown has focused many of Boondocks’ beer recipes on using locally sourced ingredients, and Boondocks Brewing has become a destination spot, bringing new visitors to Ashe County, including the cast and crew of ‘Brew also naming beers after local landmarks Dogs,’ as seen on TV’s Esquire Channel. and residents.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED Popular Boondocks beers, such as Boondocks’ special events and catering 3Top-3Hop IPA, Claybank Kolsh, Third capabilities. In April 2014, Brown and his Knob Truth Serum Belgian Trippel, Deep wife, Debbie, purchased the building that Gap Dark Secret Belgian Trippel, Orchard once housed Geno’s Restaurant just a short Creek Blueberry Saison, Taffy Wild Thai block up the street Basil Saison, Creston from the restaurant.

Chocolate Milk Stout This new facility, locatand many other favored at 302 S. Jefferson ites, can be found on Ave., officially opened tap in the Tap Room Sept. 3 as Boondocks on a frequent basis.

Brewing’s Brew Haus.

Since early 2013, The Brew Haus will Boondocks has been brewing on a small, be used to host large one-barrel (31-gallon) events, community brew system that can fundraisers and combe seen as patrons pany parties. A larger walk in the front door. brewing system is Brewing in such small also in the works that batches has afforded will increase brewBoondocks the opporing capacity tenfold. tunity to try many new In April 2014, Boondocks purchased A target of spring recipes. However, this the building that once housed Ge2015 has been set to small system also lim- no’s Restaurant, just a short block have the new brewery up the street from the restaurant. its the amount of beer operational. Visitors to This new facility officially opened that can be produced the Brew Haus will acSept. 3 as Boondocks Brewing’s each week. Unfortutually be able to see the Brew Haus. nately, there are times brewery in operation 828-266-2006 • 643-P Greenway Rd. Boone, NC • xpclimate.com when Boondocks from virtually any spot Brewing does not have one of their beers inside the building, and will also be able to on tap, although the brewery also carries view the brewery from the street through more than 35 other craft beers, boasting large windows on the front of the building. one of the most varied craft beer selections Boondocks Brewing’s motto is “Commitin the High Country. ted to Excellence — Dedicated to ComIn late 2013, Brown began looking for munity.” Patrons can see this in everything opportunities to expand not only the Brown and company do within the restaubrewing operation, but also to expand rant and in the community.

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Made in the High Country

GE Aviation

Sept. 25, 2014

GE Aviation is proud to be part of the High Country Industrial Community

We employee 160 skilled, hardworking dworking team members who produce high pressure turbine disks and high pressure compressors spools used in commercial cial engines around the world. Every 2 seconds, an airplane powered

by GE technology is taking off somewhere in the world.

That means, at any given moment, more e than 300,000 people are depending on our engines.

GE Aviation places a high value on our workforce. As a business, we can overcome a lot of different obstacles, but top notch talent is something that we cannot survive without.

Our competitive advantage is our people. We believe our success stems from a collaborative work environment. We refer to this as “teaming”―the notion that with an empowered workforce, teams become more efficient and more effective at a lower cost.

We are expanding! Our facility is poised for an 80,000-square-foot expansion which will come with an additional 105 jobs by 2017.

High Pressure Turbine

High Pressure Compressor

GE Aviation’s team in West Jefferson will begin the hiring process at the end of September. Candidates should have at least 1 year manufacturing experience in set-up and operations of any of the following machining processes: drilling, milling, grinding, turning, or broaching OR 1 year education in a relevant field such as machining and engineering. You can apply at the workforce development office (formerly the employment security commission). Applications will be available starting the last week of September.

GE Aviation

400 The Professional Dr, West Jefferson, NC 28694 | (336) 846-1445 | www.geaviation.com

Made in the High Country

Sept. 25, 2014

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Touching lives Blue Ridge Electric keeps the lights on and so much more

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o other High Country business can lay claim to touching as many lives for as much of the day as Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation.

With 74,000 members across seven counties, Blue Ridge Electric has served as the backbone for all individual and business growth in the region since the first lines were energized in 1936.

“The heart of our service is making life better for our members in our local communities,” said Blue Ridge Electric public relations director Renee Whitener.

The power distribution cooperative has its roots in the Rural Electrification Administration created in 1935, which helped rural areas become electrified. Numerous residents worked together to petition, educate and organize their neighbors to provide power to their homes, schools, churches, farms and businesses.

Blue Ridge Electric officially formed Sept. 19, 1936, when a small group of farmers met in the Caldwell County Courthouse to organize the Caldwell County Electric Membership Corporation.

Watauga County joined a couple of years later, followed by Alleghany and Ashe counties.

The cooperative eventually re-chartered under the name Blue Ridge Electric.

Today, the corporation, headquartered in Lenoir, purchases power on the

wholesale market from Duke Energy for distribution across 8,000 miles of lines in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany and parts of Wilkes, Alexander and Avery counties.

With the leadership of CEO Doug Johnson, the cooperative is governed by a board of directors elected from the membership by the members themselves.

Blue Ridge Electric does much more than simply keep the lights turned on.

It supplies jobs to 166 local residents and returns margins to members in the form of capital credits.

It provides grants to fund innovative teacher projects, student scholarships, safety programs and youth leadership opportunities.

Through the Blue Ridge Electric Members Foundation, Blue Ridge Electric helps residents experiencing short-term heating crises receive assistance with their bills. The foundation, created in 2006, also provides local community grants and larger impact grants aimed at improving residents’ long-term quality of life.

The foundation’s work is funded through members who voluntarily contribute to Operation Round Up, which rounds their bills at an amount selected by the member and uses the contribution for community needs.

Blue Ridge Electric also works to keep electricity rates low through its two for-profit subsidiaries, Blue CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Blue Ridge Electric line technician Ernie Moretz works on a transmission line in Blowing Rock.

TODD BUSH | COURTESY OF BLUE RIDGE ELECTRIC

FROM UCC’S LANSING FACTORY

TO SUPPORT OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY,

UCC PRIDE IS MOUNTAIN GROWN!

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Made in the High Country

Sept. 25, 2014

Playing a vital role West Jefferson’s GE Aviation impacts global economy, expands local workforce

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ince 2007, West Jefferson has been a site for manufacturing jet engine components for commercial and military aircraft produced by GE Aviation.

While perhaps surprising to some that GE Aviation chose a small Western North Carolina town for an arm of its global manufacturing corporation, the high performance work team environment afforded by the Ashe County site is proving itself to be a win-win situation for everyone involved, according to officials.

After just seven years in the High Country, in June, GE Aviation, an international leader in jet engine and aircraft system production, broke ground on a new 80,000-square-foot expansion in West Jefferson near its existing facility. The expansion represents a $65 million GE investment in the area, which is projected to bring an additional 105 news jobs to West Jefferson by 2017.

The expansion will allow for increased capacity, as the shop assumes additional machining work, driven largely by the demands for orders for the new LEAP jet engine of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of GE and Snecma (Safran) of France.

To date, CFM has logged total orders and commitments with airlines for more than 6,000 LEAP engines — and it does not enter service until 2016. It will power new Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX and COMAC (China) C919 aircraft for airlines worldwide.

GE could begin hiring at the expanded facility as early as 2015.

Within five years, the plant’s workforce is expected to grow to 265 employees with capacity to do both rough and finished machining of components — disks, spools, shafts — for the core of the engine.

“This investment is a testament to GE’s commitment to this community,” said Tim Tucker, plant leader at West Jefferson.

“The West Jefferson team will play a vital role in the next generation of aircraft engines, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

To prepare for the new workload, GE will partner with Wilkes Community College through a program that will provide a hands-on training opportunity with state-of-the-art machinery for current and

prospective employees.

“I’m excited that GE has chosen the West Jefferson plant to expand production for its incredibly popular LEAP engine,” Tucker said. “I’m extremely pleased, as well, that GE is partnering with Wilkes Community College to give local workers the opportunity to acquire the right skills for these new jobs. The work done here will demonstrate yet again that American manufacturing and American workers can compete in the global economy.”

The new facility is part of a larger commitment by GE Aviation to invest $195 million across its North Carolina operations through 2017.

GE Aviation has more than 1,300 employees in North Carolina at sites in Durham, West Jefferson, Wilmington and Asheville.

The West Jefferson expansion, combined with the new facility in Asheville, and plant and equipment upgrades at existing sites across North Carolina, will create 242 additional GE jobs by 2017.

GE Aviation has the largest and fastest growing installed base of jet engines in commercial aviation and a global services network to support them.

GE Aviation, a subsidiary of the Ohiobased General Electric, employs approximately 40,000 people and operates more than 80 facilities around the world.

With an existing backlog of more than $150 billion for equipment and services, the only way is up for GE Aviation.

The growing commercial engine production of GE and its partners also shows a promising outlook, with total engine deliveries of 2,442 in 2013 to a projected number of 2,859, by 2016.

Furthermore, the number of jet engines in commercial service (installed base) provided by GE and its partner companies is growing rapidly — from 34,000 in 2013 to an estimated 2017 number of 41,000 and 46,000 by 2020, based on current orders.

Having an impressive installed base of engines in service is critical, according to Tucker, since most of the company’s profit

• 2008: GE Aviation dedicated a new facility in Batesville, Miss., to produce carbon fiber component components for large commercial jet engines. Today, the plant employs more than 450 people.

• 2010: In Greenville, S.C., GE Aviation opened a 150,000-square-foot facility to produce turbine airfoils for GE jet engines.

More than 250 now work in the facility.

• 2013: In Ellisville, Miss., a facility opened to manufacture advanced composite components for aircraft engines and systems. The operation is expected to create 250 manufacturing jobs by 2016.

• 2013: In Auburn, Ala., hiring began and production deliveries were under way in the new plant that manufactures turbine blades and also supports the vast fleet of GE jet engines in service. It’s expected to employ 300 to 400 people by later in the decade.

• 2013: Dayton, Ohio — Opened in December, the Electrical Power Integrated Systems Research and Development

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The RidgeLink subsidiary allows Blue Ridge Electric to lease its fiber optic capacity to other businesses seeking broadband access, Whitener said.

“It’s improving access to cellular and Internet service, which is helping create an environment where companies can locate to our area,” she said.

It occasionally comes as a surprise to some that Blue Ridge Electric is also actively involved in helping members reduce usage and control costs, Whitener said. Numerous free tools, including online energy monitoring and power usage audits, are available to help members rein in expenses.

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Ridge Energies and RidgeLink. Blue Ridge Energies supplies propane, kerosene and heating fuels, as well as gas logs, hearths, heaters and grills.

FUTURE LOOKING BRIGHT FOR GE AVIATION

The new facility is part of a larger commitment by GE Aviation to invest $195 million across its North Carolina operations through 2017.

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is in the servicing of engines and selling spare parts.

To meet the growing “and very longterm demand for engines and spare parts,” Tucker said, GE Aviation has aggressively expanded its supply chain capability in the United States.

Since 2008, GE has seen the openings, or announcement of same, of seven new U.S. facilities, including five since 2012.

THEY INCLUDE:

Center at the University of Dayton campus will enable collaboration with university researchers on advanced computer modeling, simulation and analysis of advanced, dynamic electric power systems and controls. The center will position GE to pursue business for the next generation of planes.

• 2013: In Asheville, GE Aviation in June announced a new ceramics matrix composites factory here. Hiring begins in 2014. By decade’s end, it is expected to employ more than 340 people. Significant production begins in 2015. GE will be the first jet engine maker in history to produce components made of CMCs for the engine’s hot section.

• 2014: In Lafayette, Ind., GE Aviation announced on March 26 a new final engine assembly facility. Hiring will begin in 2015, with production in full swing by 2016. The plant is expected to employ 200 people by 2020.

RECENT SUPPLY CHAIN ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • January 2013: GE Aviation and SeaCast Inc. established a 50/50 joint venture, Montana Precision Products, to produce jet engine components at SeaCast’s facility in Butte, Mont. The JV will produce tubes, ducts and small structural castings for GE jet engines.

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Whitener said employees are keenly aware of their duty to serve their friends and neighbors.

“We get excited when there’s an opportunity to help members, and it’s very heartfelt when it starts with the CEO and is shared by every employee,” Whitener said.

Made in the High Country

Sept. 25, 2014

Page 7

GE AVIATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

• December 2012: GE agreed to purchase Italy-based Avio’s aviation business, which produces components for GE Aviation and other engine makers. It builds capacity and furthers GE’s participation in jet propulsion, one of the most attractive sectors of aviation.

• November 2012: FADEC International (a BAE Systems and Sagem jointly owned venture) has established a JV with GE to develop and produce full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) for aircraft engines and related specialized technologies.

• November 2012: GE Aviation acquires Morris Technologies and its sister company, Rapid Quality Manufacturing, precision manufacturing companies operating in suburban Cincinnati, Ohio. The companies specialize in additive manufacturing.

• November 2012: GE Aviation and Parker Aerospace launch JV to enhance the development and manufacture of commercial aircraft engine fuel nozzles.

From the first U.S. jet to the latest advancements in aviation engineering and services, GE Aviation is dedicated to turning great deals into reality.

But, it’s not all about mass production.

Whether it’s the world-class quality of its products, services and processes, widespread volunteerism or gifts to charitable causes, GE Aviation supports the communities in which it is located, officials said.

Annually, GE, the GE Foundation and GE Aviation employees and retirees worldwide contribute approximately 250,000 hours of volunteer service and millions of dollars to hundreds of community and educational projects at GE Aviation sites. The primary focus areas for corporate giving includes education for the underserved, health and human services, civic development and the environment.

From mentoring and tutoring students, to building playgrounds in disadvantaged neighborhoods, to assisting the elderly, GE volunteers make an impact in countless lives, year-round.

Dozens of organizations are supported annually through the generosity of GE, its employees and the GE Foundation. The foundation is the core of the company’s philanthropic efforts, which offers a number of matching gifts for schools, colleges and nonprofit agencies.

The reputation of the corporation stands not only on its past accomplishments, but also on its current success and its ongoing development of new technologies. Together, those traits have made GE — and its subsidiaries — one of the world’s leading and most respected companies.

At the same time, known as a worldwide supplier of products in the aviation industry, GE Aviation has helped put West Jefferson on the international map and values its hometown connection with those who make it possible, officials said.

Products designed by Will Knight and made by XP Climate Control include explosion proof air conditioning systems, explosion proof heat pumps, explosion proof climate control systems and even explosion proof safe houses.

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Made in the High Country — XP Climate Control T

he letters “XP” in the company name XP Climate Control stands for “explosive proof.”

The Boone-based business makes unique explosive proof products that fill a need for companies in the United States and around the world.

A few years ago, XP Climate Control founder and owner Will Knight saw a niche that needed to be filled in this industry.

There were only three companies in the U.S. which made explosive proof systems before the formation of XP Climate Control. Located in Texas and Louisiana, those other companies focused mainly on the oil refinery business and their delivery protocols varied. So, Knight began to design and build explosive proof systems on the side.

“I was working for another company and I was their electric designer,” Knight said. “I was buying these systems from those companies, who are my competitors now. We were losing a lot of business because their lead times were too long and their prices were too high. I was doing all of the engineering anyway, building some stuff in-house for the company, and I found that I could build it quicker and with better quality. So, I started a family corporation and began to build directly for them. It grew from there.”

Knight eventually quit his job and created XP Climate Control.

Some of the products designed by

Knight and made by XP Climate Control include explosion proof air conditioning systems, explosion proof heat pumps, explosion proof climate control systems and even explosion proof safe houses that are built so that employees have a safe place to go should trouble happen in the workplace.

Before Knight started XP Climate Control, he and his family were living in Charlotte.

Like a lot of folks from elsewhere who have settled in this area, Appalachian State University proved to be the calling card. Knight’s wife, Meggan, wanted to

attend ASU to get a degree, so the plan for them was to live to Boone for two years and then go back to Charlotte. But the Knights fell in love with the area and decided to stay.

Knight still designs all of the products for XP Climate Control. The company builds and ships its products from its location on Greenway Road, Boone, to clients around the world, currently working with distributors in 22 different countries. The company services everything from the petroleum business to the U.S. military to the steel industry.

Some of the products made here in the Boone facility include explosive proof pressurization systems, air-conditioning systems, heating systems, exhaust fans and fume hoods and other explosion proof laboratory equipment, anticorrosion coatings and marine environment units.

Even though XP Climate Control does not advertise its business, the company is growing and the future looks bright due to a perpetual desire to come up with innovative original designs and products.

“I have a room that is full of new prototypes right now,” Knight said. “We are re-designing products as we speak. We just launched a new line of large capacity, 20-ton explosion proof wall mounted airconditioning and heating systems. We’re only the second company in the United States that is doing this.”

More information can be found at www.xpclimate.com.

Made in the High Country

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Sept. 25, 2014

King of the mountain AEV remains the nation’s largest ambulance provider

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merican Emergency Vehicles remains the largest provider of ambulances in the U.S., after having its start in Ashe County 33 years ago.

AEV develops custom ambulance builds, which are sold both in the U.S. and overseas. AEV is projected to produce as many as 1,200 ambulances this year, which accounts for 20 percent of the ambulances built in the United States.

To accomplish this, AEV currently employs 350 High Country residents. “We are glad to be a part of this community,” Greg Warmuth, AEV’s vice president of finance, said. “Ashe County is a hidden gem for manufacturing because of the skilled workforce and the good work ethic.”

Warmuth traces AEV’s modern history back to 1990, rather than 1981.

In 1990, AEV was one of the lowest producers in the country. Since then, AEV has risen to claim the top spot in the country as an ambulance producer.

Since AEV’s inception, the company has gone through a few changes. In 2010, AEV was acquired by Allied Specialty Vehicles, which provides everything from ambulances to school buses and recreational videos.

This acquisition, according to Warmuth, gave rise to the company’s current lean manufacturing process. Lean manufacturing is a philosophy that attempts to lessen waste while still providing high quality products for consumers. A more recent change is AEV’s acquisition of the Gates Rubber Company facility located in Jefferson.

This information was released through email by Mark Van Arnam, the president and CEO of American Emergency Vehicles, in August of this year.

“This gives us a larger platform for continued growth. It’s twice the size of our current facility,” Van Arnam said, about acquiring the Gates facility. “This shows a commitment to our workforce and a commitment to Ashe County.”

According to Warmuth, Gates will continue to occupy the facility until it has terminated all local activities by the end of the calendar year. At that time, AEV’s leadership will consider options for the new facility. “It was an opportunity that was too good to pass up,” Warmuth said, about the Gates acquisition. “We will evaluate our options and opportunities for what to

With its start in Ashe County 33 years ago, AEV currently employs 350 High Country residents, accounts for 20 percent of the ambulances built in the United States and is projected to produce 1,200 ambulances this year.

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do with that facility.” Warmuth said AEV is currently developing plans for an extensive building renovation, which will require time and investment, and will not take place for at least a year. “We won’t make a transition to that facility for a year,” he said.

As part of its continued growth, AEV first earned the coveted N.C. Department of Labor OSHA STAR Program for exemplary workplace safety through training and

dedication to safety awareness in 2008.

AEV is one of 151 companies across the state that is STAR certified. AEV is also one of 94 workplaces that are full STAR members. This means AEV is in the Top 1 percent of the safest places to work in North Carolina.

AEV is located in Jefferson on Don Walters Road at 165 American Way, and can be contacted by phone at (336) 982-9824, or by email at info@aev.com.

boondocks brewing west jefferson, nc 28694 www.boondocksbrew.com 336-246-5222 dedicated to excellence committed to community

two facilities to serve you restaurant 108 s jefferson ave open 7 days a week full service restaurant covered outdoor dining 2 fully stocked bars 34 craft beers on tap pet friendly area custom catering private room

using local ingredients vegetarian & gluten free options available

brew haus 302 s jefferson ave accomodates up to 250 private functions 20 beer tap wall brewery tours special events fund raisers banquests weddings

Made in the High Country

Sept. 25, 2014

Page 9

U.S. Buildings makes the sheet metal that customers can construct. The metal is shaped according to what the customer needs, and the sheets of metal overlap with predrilled holes, which allows for easier construction.

PHOTOS BY STEVE BEHR

Standing strong in the mountains U.S. Buildings has been in business for more than 30 years

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.S. Buildings, located on Industrial Drive in Boone, makes steel framing and steel siding straight wall structures that allows customers, or its own employees, to construct steel buildings such as garages, carports or other steel structures both for residential, agricultural or business purposes.

They also make steel arch buildings in the classic Quonset hut style.

U.S. Buildings has factories in Boone and in Wilkesboro. The company has been in business for more than 30 years, and the carport division was started in 2011.

U.S. Buildings is about to start a new line of products that includes safe buildings, which includes safe rooms, buildings that can withstand hurricanes above ground and other weather disasters.

It is a factory direct business, so there is no middleman. Their buildings have no beams or trusses, which leaves them selfsupporting. That gives the customer 100 percent usable space, instead of having to work around support beams.

“We have a pretty diverse public line,” marketing manager David Davis said.

“Anything from carport to a patio to anything customized for decking or shelters or covers. We also go up to full commercial structures.”

The company makes the sheet metal that customers can construct themselves, which cuts down on construction costs. The metal is shaped according to what the customer needs, and the sheets of metal overlap with

predrilled holes, which allows for easier construction.

U.S. Buildings also provides an instruction manual and toll-free assistance to answer any questions or concerns that may come along in the process of construction.

The company also has workers who can construct some of the structures if the customer desires.

The buildings have several uses and are hurricane rated.

Some of the building models may have several uses, some more common than others. There are also several different models of arcs and shelters to choose from, both indoor and outdoor.

They are often used for garages at residential locations. They can also be used for carports, sheds and workshops, and sometimes for homes.

The carports, which are 12 feet wide, 21 feet long and have a height of 5 feet, start at $595.

Larger carports and garages are also used for not just residential vehicles, but also for body and repair shops. They can also be used for RV and boat storage.

Structures built by U.S. Buildings can also be used for agricultural reasons. They have been used to house cattle and livestock, for dairy barns, for commodities storage and for equipment storage.

They’ve also made structures that have been used for riding arenas and for horse barns and stalls.

The structures have also been used for

U.S. Buildings has factories in Boone and in Wilkesboro and has been in business for more than three decades.

commercial businesses. They can be turned into distribution and shipping centers, for retail stores, for warehouses and for offices.

The buildings can also be used for ministorage and for public works storage.

U.S. Buildings has also constructed gymnasiums and sports facilities. The company can also build aircraft hangers and storage

for aviation needs.

U.S. Buildings’ customer list, which is on its website, includes 20th Century Fox, Allstate Insurance, General Electric and DuPont.

For more information, go to www. carport.com or www.us-steel-garagebuilding.com.

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Made in the High Country

Sept. 25, 2014

Shielding steel Highland International innovates multipurpose paint used worldwide

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ince 1989, Highland International has been supplying protective paint coatings that have been used all over the world.

The paint, which shields steel, is known for its high temperature resistance throughout the industry.

“Our purpose is to protect steel,” Randy Douglas, plant manager of Highland International, said. “We protect steel against corrosion.”

The paint, although decorative in appearance, serves the purpose of the industry it caters to.

Highland International products are used in various industries, ranging from petroleum oil pumps to sizeable structures such as bridges and roller coasters.

What makes Highland International’s product unique is that it’s dry-fall paint.

This means that if any excess paint falls off brushes and such into the air, it dries before it touches the ground, so that the paint doesn’t get on anything else, such as cars and roads. This saves in labor costs as well, because painters don’t have to be so precise or worry about getting paint on other surfaces.

Highland International began bymaking paints used by Astec, a leading company in the industry of manufacturing of asphalt equipment. The protective paint can withstand and protect the steel from the demanding environment that the asphalt machinery must endure. The paint protects the steel in 800-degree heat, even while the steel expands and contracts.

Highland International’s paint is now also used on various popular structures across the country due to the durability of the paint, as well as the way it holds up against sunlight, which is one of the worst environmental factors for paint.

“You can see our paint in a lot of different industries,” Douglas said.

One might see the paint on the Morey’s Pier roller coaster in New Jersey, the Detroit Tigers baseball stadium and the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, he said.

For the petroleum industry, Highland International’s paint is used to protect the inside of pipes under harsh conditions.

The oil pipes that use Highland International paint, which are located in Canada CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Dale Watson mixes a paint formula.

PHOTO BY ERIKA GIOVANETTI

Sept. 25, 2014

Made in the High Country

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HIGHLAND CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

and Texas, must pass inspections ensuring the safety of the pipes themselves. The paint helps to prevent corrosion, and thus can prevent oil from leaking into the environment.

In the future, Highland International looks to expand its prospects to the wind energy industry. The longevity of the paint, as well as its ability to withstand the elements, would make it an ideal fit for wind turbines, officials said.

Douglas said that much of the paint is sold to Original Equipment, which uses the paint on its manufacturing equipment and ship it to be used elsewhere worldwide. In some instances, however, the paint is sold directly to companies to use on structures, such as the case of the Detroit Tigers stadium.

As a company in the community, Highland International seeks skilled employers from the area.

“We really like to provide jobs to people,” Douglas said.

“We want people to provide to their families.”

Douglas mentions that one of his favorite things about Highland International is that all the employees can be held accountable for the company’s success.

Highland International aims to keep engineering paints, developing the product to use more friendly solvents to ensure that the company is even more eco-friendly than required.

The company has already designed paint with reduced air pollutants.

Highland International goes beyond the EPA and industry standards by engineering safe products, officials said.

For more information, visit www.highland-international.com.

Nicholas Hathaway, left, and Rickey Harwood examine paint samples.

PHOTO BY ERIKA GIOVANETTI

Energizing Local Communities We’re working to make life better for our members and communities. Keeping your lights on with the best member care is key.

So is partnering with you to improve the quality of life for our members ― now and for future generations.

BlueRidgeEMC.com

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Made in the High Country

Sept. 25, 2014

Located along the North Fork of the New River in Ashe County, United Chemi-Con began in 1953 as Sprague Electric Company and has employed several thousand High Country residents during the years.

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At full capacity United Chemi-Con manufactures community involvement

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or more than 60 years, the capacitor manufacturing facility located along the New River’s gently flowing North Fork in northwestern Ashe County has been an anchor for the area’s economy.

Identified for the past 20 of those years as United Chemi-Con (UCC), the local plant began in 1953 as Sprague Electric Company and has employed several thousand High Country residents during the years.

Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are not readily identifiable by most Ashe County citizens, but they play an important role in our everyday lives.

Capacitors provide essential technology in such recognizable products as TV, radio, computers, automobiles, HVAC and white goods, along with industrial uses such as wind and solar, UPS, welding, flash lighting and electronic control systems.

Virtually every segment of the electronics and electrical industry is served with products from United Chemi-Con, officials said.

UCCs parent company, Nippon ChemiCon, is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan,

and is the largest aluminum capacitor manufacturer in the world with manufacturing and sales locations in the U.S., Europe and Southeast Asia.

With 135 dedicated and highly skilled employees, the Ashe County facility designs, manufactures and distributes its premium capacitors all over the world, officials said.

UCC is not only about remarkable products, but it is also about local people and the High Country.

“Our philosophy is to support the local community through donations of time and money to a wide range of organizations in which our employees participate and from which they and their families benefit. Both the company and its employees actively participate in many worthy projects evidenced by twice being awarded the Ashe County Business/Industry Volunteer of the Year Award, as well as the Governor’s Community and Economic Development Award,” according to officials.

Other notable achievements include: CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Sept. 25, 2014

Made in the High Country

Page 13

A quarter century of innovation ECR Software rated No. 1 in the nation for point of sale software and equipment

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ECR was founded by 1989 by Peter Catoe, a graduate of Appalachian State University, and is located in Boone.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

CHEMI-CON CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

• More than $120,000 has been raised to help fellow employees and family members experiencing difficult circumstances.

• The “Chemi-Con Chargers” Relay For Life Team has raised more than $77,000 since 2004 to help fight cancer.

• More than $22,000 has been raised through the American Heart Association Heart Walk since 2001.

• Employees have recently accepted a new challenge to support the Buddy Walk for the National Down Syndrome Society.

• Many hours and dollars have been donated to annual coat and shoe drives, food drives, school supply drives, blood drives, the Children’s Christmas Project and Camp New Hope.

The company fosters a spirit of giving back by offering an annual company scholarship to an employee’s graduating senior worth $8,000.

UCC is also a proud sponsor of the Brutal 100 Bike Race, Frank James Memorial, Ashe County Schools, Ashe Free Medical Clinic, Shriners golf tournaments and the Middle School TSA Student competition, as well as being a contributor to many

county agencies and organizations.

Company employees participate in a variety of community support organizations through local churches, the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce and the BREMCO Community Leaders Council.

“Through our committed employees, United Chemi-Con has maintained progressive quality certifications since 1994, most recently the prominent TS16949 International Automotive Certification.

In 1999, the Lansing facility became the first North Carolina company to achieve the International Environmental Management Certification known as ISO 14001,” officials said. “In 2010, UCC earned certification in the prestigious N.C. Department of Labor OSHA STAR Program for exemplary workplace safety through training and dedication to safety awareness.

Employee commitment to these certifications for Safety, Quality and Environmental Systems provide the cornerstones for our successful manufacturing operation.”

“United Chemi-Con wishes to sincerely thank our outstanding employees for their dedication and excellent service for these many years. Their exceptional effort and performance demonstrate the awesome capabilities of the High Country workforce,” officials said.

he quarter century mark is a significant milestone for any company, especially one involved in the highly competitive and evolving world of digital information.

ECR Software Corporation of Boone celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and has recently been recognized as one of the leaders in its field.

“We participate in the Retail Information Software (RIS) LeaderBoard every year, which rates all of the companies for point of sale (POS) systems,” said Caroline Catoe, training and events manager for ECR Software. “We were rated No. 1 for 2013 for overall POS systems and we were competing with IBM and other big companies.”

ECR was founded by 1989 by Catoe’s father, Peter Catoe, who was then a recent graduate of Appalachian State University. Catoe recognized a need for smaller retailers to have an affordable solution to obtaining sales data from an electronic

cash register.

“A couple of years after starting in Charlotte, Catoe moved the company to Boone to continue to satisfy the market and continue innovation,” David Sprague, ECR executive and vice president, said.

From a small local firm of software designers, engineers and salespeople, ECR Software has grown into a company that employs 108 people. That includes 80 employees at locations in downtown Boone and on State Farm Road in Boone, and 28 sales people, installation specialists and technical support specialists in the field.

From the genesis of ECRS to today, Catoe’s company has thrived on a simple philosophy: “Develop and deliver commonsense, innovative retail automation solutions that work as advertised. Take care of your customers and employees, and profits will follow.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Made in the High Country

Sept. 25, 2014

ECRS’s new RAPTOR Accelerated Checkout can scan grocery products without anyone touching them. The first such scanner is heading to the Sparkle Market grocery chain in West Virginia this fall.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

ECRS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Catoe’s simple, but powerful, belief quickly became the foundation of ECRS’ down-toearth business model.

The company’s relentless pursuit of creating the highest quality software products, achieving world-class customer satisfaction, and fostering employee development for more than 25 years has transformed ECRS into an internationally recognized leader in the retail automation industry.

ECRS’ recent awards and recognitions include: • RIS Software LeaderBoard No. 1 overall category and Top 20 LeaderBoard.

• No. 1 leaders in quality support.

• No. 1 leaders in customer satisfaction by grocery retailers.

• No. 1 overall leaders in grocery.

• No. 1 midsize vendor leaders.

• No. 1 broad suite vendor leaders.

• No. 1 leaders in quality of support by tier one and midsize retailers.

• Watauga County Business of the Year.

• Top 20 most promising retail technology solution.

• Vity Award winner for best computerized point of sale system (Vitamin Retailer magazine ) — 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

• Progressive Grocer Tech Award winner for Rollin’ Oats implementation of automated inventory and replenishment.

Today, ECRS offers a wide range of products, software and services that help retailers with point of sale, back office management, customer loyalty and marketing, inventory and supply chain, warehouse management and accounting.

One of ECRS’ latest developments is the RAPTOR, an accelerated scan checkout system that will make its professional debut this fall at the Sparkle Market grocery chain in West Virginia.

“RAPTOR utilizes 360-degree scan tunnel technology, combined with a newly designed, streamlined cabinet, and advanced CATAPULT point of sale software working behind-the-scenes. This gives consumers a checkout transaction that is not only extremely fast, but also convenient. It is thoughtfully designed and well-executed technology that provides a pleasurable experience for consumers, without the frustrations often encountered with traditional point-of-sale and self-checkout,” according to the company.

Catoe, Sprague and the rest of the ECRS team look forward to the next quarter century, and beyond, having firmly established the company as one of the true business success stories in Western North Carolina.

“We have to continue to be our customers’ eyes and ears and find out what they need,” Burt Aycock, director of product design, said. “With what we do, we generally think of ourselves as evolutionary rather than revolutionary,” he said.

For more information, visit www.ecrs. com or call (828) 265-2907.

SINCE 1989

Manufacturer of specialty coatings for peak performance – proctecting steel for industrial applications worldwide.

Look for our applications in Comerica Park, home of baseball’s Detroit Tigers

Providing well-trained, highly skilled employment opportunities in the High Country for 25 Years 465 Industrial Park Drive, Boone NC www.highland-international.com • 828-262-9705

Made in the High Country

Sept. 25, 2014

Page 15

The Cornett Deal Christmas Tree Farm in Vilas, NC. PHOTO BY ROB MOORE

Homegrown Christmas in the High Country

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hen Dianne Cornett bought the farm that her ancestors once owned, she had no intention of becoming a Christmas tree farmer.

However, Cornett Deal Christmas Tree farm has grown into one of the top destinations for families looking for the genuine “choose and cut” experience when choosing a Christmas tree.

“My father donated the first 1,000 trees to start planting trees on my farm. Because the land was there, 26 acres, I needed to do something with it,” Cornett said. “My dad was already raising Christmas trees.

He had some extra transplants that year.

My mom pitched in, my brother and some friends and we planted a full field of trees.

That’s how it started. It turned into a family affair. It grew from there.”

Cornett’s great-great-grandfather, Jack Cornett, and his sons settled in the area of the farm around 1904. Many of his descendants still live on and farm the properties cleared and settled by their grandparents and great-great-grandparents.

Cornett Deal ChristmasTree farm specializes in Fraser firs, a tree indigenous to the High Country and part of the lifeblood

The Cornett Deal Christmas Tree Farm began, and remains, a family affair.

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE

of its economy.

“Christmas trees are an industry and they’re grown here,” Cornett said. “They’re indigenous to the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. On Roan Mountain and Grandfather Mountain, you will find that they grow naturally in those areas.

They are an important part of the economy

and a boost to the economy during the Christmas season.”

In addition to choose and cut, Cornett Deal Christmas Tree Farm sells wholesale trees, as well as wreaths and locally made crafts in its gift store. For those who want the full choose-and-cut experience, a cabin on the farm is available for rental.

“I built the cabin because it became a way to share the farm year-round with people. You can come out and wander around and just enjoy the country life for a few days,” Cornett said.

Similar to Cornett breaking into Christmas tree farming in the beginning, becoming a destination choose-and-cut farm, complete with hayrides and other events, happened somewhat by accident.

“Initially, we would sell a tree to a friend or a neighbor or something,” Cornett said.

“Back in 1991, I joined the Christmas Tree Growers Association. At that point, the state association was sponsoring a chooseand-cut weekend, with maybe two weekends per season in the different counties.

But then in Watauga County, it got to be such a great thing that we started promoting choose and cut all Thanksgiving and Christmas season. It was something I was really interested in because I really enjoyed the people coming out to the farm and the social aspect of it. We were sharing Christmas with so many people.”

Visit Cornett Deal Christmas Tree Farm at 142 Tannenbaum Lane, Vilas, or www. cdtreefarm.com for more information.

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Sept. 25, 2014

Turning the pages of history McFarland, independent publisher based out of West Jefferson, celebrates 35th anniversary

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n June 2014, McFarland & Company Inc. celebrated its 35th anniversary with an open house.

The public was welcome to come tour the publishing company’s facilities, as well as shop for books at a 35 percent discount.

More than 350 visitors were also welcome to art tours featuring more than 600 pieces of art, as well as food and refreshments.

The event, which took months of planning, was fun for the employees, too. The community was able to see the inside workings of McFarland with tours of the book factory.

The anniversary celebrated McFarland’s history, which started in 1979, a time when it wasn’t popular for publishers to operate outside of big cities. President and editor-in-chief Robert Franklin was before his time in this aspect — he didn’t want his employees cooped up in an office all day where they didn’t even have access to a window. Ashe County is the perfect setting for a company that offers more fresh air for its workers.

In addition to being a supplier of jobs

and education to the High Country community, McFarland publishes books that reach a worldwide audience. Each year McFarland publishes about 400 books, with a cumulative total of 6,060 books published since its inception.

At a publishing rate of 400 books per year, McFarland’s employees certainly are never short of work to do. A team of four designers lay out the book covers — every cover is a different work of art, so consider these employees to be high production artists.

McFarland’s 57 employees also come from all trades. In fact, many of them are multitalented artists. The business of publishing is certainly a medley of different industries, with employees from backgrounds ranging from business to retail to manufacturing.

Whether you’re looking for examinations of zombie lore in pop culture, technical volumes on amphibious aircraft or historic explorations of the youngest Americans in military service, McFarland has a nonfiction read for you.

Dr. Pepper Bottling Company

President Robert Franklin.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

McFarland publishes in categories ranging from humanities, sports, transportation, military history, social sciences and much more.

In fact, a popular subgenre right now for McFarland is the examination of zombies in pop culture. An upcoming title examines the real world implications of a zombie apocalypse from a scientific point of view.

With all the “doomsday preppers” out there, the zombie subgenre is an explosive topic in the nonfiction world. In fact, McFarland’s “American Zombie Gothic: The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of the Walking Dead in Popular Culture” by Kyle William

Bishop was mentioned in the New York Times.

McFarland has been finding new ways to adapt to the ever-changing technological world we live in. Many of McFarland’s publications are now offered as e-books, which are becoming popular among students, professionals and recreational readers. E-books make for more convenient transportation, making them ideal for traveling or bringing to class.

Even with the huge demand for technology in today’s world, many people still CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Serving the High Country for over 75 years

We bottle and distribute glass longneck bottles.

We also have the Franchise rights to several soft drink brands such as Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, RC, Cheerwine, Snapple and others. We use pure cane sugar instead of corn syrup! The combination of pure cane sugar and glass bottles makes for the best tasting soft drinks on the market!

The McFarland warehouse holds inventory for more than 5000 titles.

Sept. 25, 2014

Made in the High Country

Page 17

MCFARLAND CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

Kelly Elliott finalizes one of the McFarland cover designs which are enthusiastically appreciated by McFarland customers and fans.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

A world leader Leviton solutions guide customers while enhancing safety

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he majority of North American homes use products made by Leviton, a manufacturer of electrical wiring devices and applications for the management of lighting, network and data center connectivity and security and automation.

The company has operated plants in Ashe County for more than 40 years.

Leviton provides a comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of today’s residential, commercial and industrial buildings, including switches and receptacles, daylight harvesting controls, networking systems, intelligent safety controls and equipment for charging electric vehicles.

“Leviton solutions help customers achieve savings in energy, time and cost, all the while enhancing safety,” the company proudly says.

Worldwide, Leviton’s products are sold

in 80 countries. The company’s portfolio includes 25,000 products and 600 patents, and Leviton employs more than 6,500 people. The company is built on beliefs in commitment, trust, ingenuity, quality, reliability, value and sustainability, officials said.

Builders, electrical contractors and other industry professionals rank Leviton wiring devices No. 1 in brand preference, and its energy-efficient products meet or exceed federal, state and industry standards, as well as LEED criteria.

“Through investment in research and development, manufacturing, distribution, human capital and training, Leviton is well-positioned to respond to the needs of a changing marketplace,” the company says. “Leviton’s heritage provides a strong foundation for meeting and exceeding market expectations by bringing continuous innovation to our industry.”

prefer to have a hard copy of books. For students, hard copy books might be easier to mark up and highlight. Many readers still enjoy the feeling of flipping through a book and feeling their progress throughout the read.

McFarland’s employees are experimenting on packaging e-book and hard copy books together so that readers may enjoy the best of both worlds.

This publishing house is a literary gem that sits right in our backyards. Some Appalachain State University students may even be reading these books without realizing that they’re made right here in the High Country.

With a worldwide and local audience, McFarland’s success and longevity is ensured through readership and education.

View the full McFarland catalog online at www.mcfarlandpub. com, with book descriptions, review quotes and author biographies. You can keep abreast of the newest publications and other buzz by following them on the McFarland website, or on Facebook, Google +, and Twitter.

WE ARE Global Manufacturing Services, Inc., (GMS) can assemble your circuit boards in the fast lane.

We are a small and very agile company that has been building quality products in the same town since 1987. We build and test sophisticated electronics which vary from big LED arrays to small boards with more than 500 parts. You need SMT? We can get it quickly for you. How about through hole assemblies? Our Selective Soldering machines will get the job done without all the messy environmental issues and cost of wave soldering. So send us your Gerber files and your Bills of Materials and tell us how to test the finished assembly and you'll have a quality assembly in no time. That's a promise!

140 Industrial Park Way | West Jefferson, NC 28694 | 336.246.5143 or 336.846.1671

Made in the High Country

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Sept. 25, 2014

In addition to Dr Pepper, the plant also bottles A&W Root Beer, 7-Up, Big Red, Cheerwine, Orange Crush and R.C. Cola.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Leviton is the smart choice, providing the most comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of today’s residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Leveraging more than a century of experience, Leviton helps customers create sustainable, intelligent environments through its electrical wiring devices, network and data center connectivity solutions, and lighting energy management systems.

From switches and receptacles, to daylight harvesting controls, networking systems, and equipment for charging electric vehicles, Leviton solutions help customers achieve savings in energy, time and cost, all while enhancing safety.

Phone: 336.846.3246 Fax: 336.846.3244

618 S. Jefferson Ave. West Jefferson, NC 28694

www.leviton.com

Dr Pepper bottling Independently owned and operated

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n a hot summer day in the High Country, few simple luxuries satisfy like a cold Mountain Dew in a glass bottle.

From the moment you pop the bottle cap off and take that first sip, your taste buds are in sent into frenzy with the memories of the good old days and the unmistaken taste of real pure cane sugar.

The crisp and refreshing jolt from such a beverage has become a mainstay in the area, particularly Ashe County, as the region is home to the Dr Pepper Bottling Company in West Jefferson.

Like the beverages it proudly represents, the Ashe County plant is steeped in tradition.

The plant’s current general manager, Michael Vannoy, is a third generation businessman. His grandfather, H.R. Ross Vannoy, founded the plant and later left operations to his son, Kyle Vannoy, who still works at the plant.

Altogether, the plant is comprised of

three separate facilities.

Aside from the downtown locale, Dr Pepper Bottling Company also has a distribution center on Highway 163 and a warehouse just down the road that employs 58.

In addition to Dr Pepper, the plant also bottles A&W Root Beer, 7-Up, Big Red, Cheerwine, Orange Crush and R.C. Cola.

Because the plant is independently owned and operated, it also has the right to bottle and distribute Mountain Dew, which is a Pepsi product.

The company also specializes in 12-ounce glass bottles.

Although the company imports the bottle from a company in Chattanooga, Tenn., it can fill orders for retailers who would rather have nostalgic glass bottles instead of plastic.

The company distributes its products in a six-county area that includes Ashe, Alleghany, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes counties in North Carolina and Grayson County in Virginia.

Sept. 25, 2014

( Highland International )

( BREMCO )

Made in the High Country

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( AEV )

( Global Manufacturing )

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Made in the High Country

Sept. 25, 2014