Bell Laboratories, Inc. Honored as 2011 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year

Bell Laboratories, Inc. was honored with the 2011 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award in late February for its outstanding accomplishments in manufacturing and in creating a better quality of life for citizens of the state.

Bell took the grand prize in the category of large manufacturer with 300-750 employees.

In accepting the award, Bell President and CEO, Steve Levy, saluted the 340 company employees in the U.S. and abroad whose skills and dedication have made Bell a vital company in the state's economy and a leader in rodent control technology around the world.

"We are very proud to have received this recognition," Levy remarked. "We couldn't have achieved our success without committed employees and loyal customers."

With rodent control products registered in more than 40 countries, Bell directly manufactures 96 percent of its diverse product line at its headquarters in Madison, Wis.

"We're a vertically-integrated manufacturer which gives us control over each facet of production," Levy said. "This enables us to guarantee the quality of our products."

The award was based on Bell's strong sales growth, employee productivity, contributions to the community, island conservation work, and innovative products and manufacturing techniques.

"It's critical that we continue to invest in R&D and stay at the forefront of our industry," Levy added, noting that Bell will pursue major facilities expansion to increase its manufacturing space in 2012. The company also has made significant investments recently in robotic automation and continues to expand its plastics molding operations.

The award, sponsored by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Baker Tilly Accountants and Advisors, and Michael Best & Friedrich law firm, was presented at a black-tie dinner in Milwaukee, Wis., on February 23.