Area companies were spotlighted Wednesday, Nov. 18, as the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce handed out its 2020 Industry of the Year Awards.

The recipients were Ranger Manufacturing, winning in the category of companies with 1-50 employees; Wilheit Packaging, 51-200 Employees; and Hydro, more than 200 employees.

Ranger Manufacturing at 1180 Airport Parkway, Gainesville, is a machining and fabrication shop that combines engineering with manufacturing in laser cutting, CNC machining, welding, metal forming and assembly.

“Our workers back at the plant are most important,” said Mike McGraw, Ranger partner. “We do our best to treat them the best we can. We do our best to make sure they’ve got everything they’ve ever needed — and wanted.”

Wilheit Package at 1527 May Drive, Gainesville, offers packaging and shipping services and products.

“All (our) growth and success is the result of the Wilheit packaging family,” said Philip Wilheit Jr., managing partner and sales manager. “We’ve got a dedicated team of employees — of which many have been with us for decades or more.”

Hydro at 2905 Old Oakwood Road, Gainesville, extrudes aluminum profiles for applications from architecture to transportation.

Danny Colaris, plant manager, also thanked his employees in accepting the award, saying that the company operating through the COVID-19 pandemic this year “is what makes this award very special.” 

A panel of industry and business officials selected the winners from nominees, with anyone allowed to nominate an industry, said Tim Evans, the chamber’s vice president of economic development.

Also, Murray Plastics was recognized for workforce development, ALBAform for safety performance, Conditioned Air Systems for corporate responsibility and Glo-Crest Dairy/Mountain Fresh Creamery for environmental responsibility.

The 12th annual awards were presented during a luncheon at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville.

Greg Dozier, Technical College System of Georgia commissioner, was the keynote speaker.