NEDC awards four local companies

NORWALK — The Norwalk Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) recently selected four recipients for its 2022 annual awards. American Excelsior (AEC), American Timber and Steel (ATS), Crazeweld and For Their Future were recognized at Sandy Ridge Vineyards and Mercantile recently for their commitment to the city. NEDC awarded American Excelsior and American Timber and Steel with the Golden Maple award. The Golden Maple is given to businesses for creating jobs and making capital improvement investments. AEC has operated its Norwalk facility on Cleveland Road since 1995, where the company runs two separate business lines producing foam fabrication and erosion control products. AEC was recognized for a $4 million expansion that added several job opportunities for the citizens of Norwalk. NEDC Susan Ross said what's remarkable about AEC is that despite the business being headquartered in Wisconsin, it continues to invest heavily in Norwalk. "They have pretty much doubled their production at the Norwalk location. I think it's pretty important that even though they have (like) five other facilities, they chose to invest here," Ross said. According to its website, ATS manufactures and stocks nearly all of the materials required for residential outdoor timber projects. Ross said one of the things about ATS that impressed the NEDC is that although it started in Norwalk and has since expanded into many markets, the company remain committed to the city. "What's cool about this is recognizing something that started here and now has a presence all over the country," Ross said. "Every time they (ATS) grow anywhere else, it is growth here too, because the main offices are here and they do a lot of their product testing here as well." For Their Future won the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for their commitment to reduce plastic waste. For Their Future offers bulk household and personal hygiene products available to fill with either your own container or one of theirs available for purchase. They also have eco-friendly products that reduce waste and harmful chemicals. "I'm happy we chose them, because that award is just about people with energy and vision and who know it's OK to try new things," Ross said. Crazeweld won the innovation award. A long-time welder, Joshua Ott started the company in 2019, after years of welding on railroad cars in chemical plants, refineries, and on pipelines. Crazeweld manufactures the SafePurge Air Mover on Plank Road where the company also offer other mechanical, welding and pipefitting contracts. "Anyone who invents something from scratch and patents and commercializes it takes a lot of grit," Ross said. "So, we really just want to celebrate that and I am sure we will here and see many more great things from Josh."