Raleigh, NC, (June 19, 2008)— On Thursday, the North Carolina State University Industrial Extension Service (IES) presented two 1B4NC awards at the 2008 North Carolina Management Systems Summit.

The first recipient, Precision Hydraulic Cylinders, Inc., (PHC) of Beulaville manufactures hydraulic cylinders primarily used in the mobile equipment applications, such as forklifts and agricultural vehicles. PHC received dual certifications for ISO 9001 and 14001, which meant they could retain a $7 million account. They also reported a $4 million increase in sales.

The second award was presented to Tri-County Industries, Inc., of Rocky Mount. They reported a $1.9 million value due to their ISO 9001 certification. Tri-County is a community rehabilitation center that provides assessments, training and job placement to disabled or economically disadvantaged individuals. The company accepts contractual production-based piece work.

The $13 million economic value is credited toward the 1B4NC promise-to create $1 billion in value to North Carolina industries in five years (2006-2010). IES recognizes those companies that report an economic impact of $1 million or greater. IES clients are instrumental to the success of the campaign.

Since the beginning of 2006, more than $439 million of value was placed on IES services by a portion of the companies who received those services. Particular statistics include 1,112 jobs saved, $100 million in cost savings and $135 million in increased sales.

“The 1B4NC award presentation gives these clients public recognition for implementing a management system that has improved their processes--processes that led to tangible results and real economic value,” said Barbara Williams, extension specialist for quality management systems.

Keep track of 1B4NC progress online at http://www.ies.ncsu.edu/1B4NC/.