February 16, 2007

Vail Rubber Works Named 2006 Large Business of the Year
by Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce

(St. Joseph, Mich.)  Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce named Vail Rubber Works, Inc. its 2006 Large Business of the Year at its annual "Champions of Business" event held February 15, 2007, at Lake Michigan College Mendel Center, Benton Harbor, Mich.

Chamber Vice President Patrick Moody presented the award to President Joseph W. "Bill" Hanley and representatives of the company citing, "Vail has [succeeded] the old-fashioned way — as a family-owned and operated American enterprise." 

Moody said the area was indebted to Vail Rubber for its long-standing commitment to the community.  He said the manufacturer has provided safe, reliable employment for thousands of families and a solid tax-base for Southwestern Michigan over its 100-plus-year history.  It is well regarded for its business integrity, customer service and application of rubber and polyurethane covers to rolls used to manufacture metal, paper and other industrial products throughout the eastern United States. Moody added that Vail Rubber is also a respected corporate citizen, donating financial and volunteer support to many community events and organizations.

Vail Rubber employs 112 people including two sets of fourth-generation relatives from the Hanley and Fellows families.  In 1998, a fifth generation family member, Vail Harding, joined the ranks as a sales representative to the paper industry.

In accepting the Cornerstone award, President Bill Hanley credited the company’s 12 percent employment growth in the past two years to a stronger domestic steel market as well as Vail’s expansion into the paper market. "We are very proud to continue this century-old family tradition in Southwestern Michigan," said Hanley.

For more information about Vail Rubber Works, Inc. and its services, contact us or call (269) 983-1595.

 

Photo available here