March 10, 2004
HEALEY HONORS GEORGE KNIGHT & CO WITH INNER CITY AWARD
Governor’s Inner City Investment Award Given to Brockton Manufacturer
BROCKTON – Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today recognized the importance of business investment and job creation in the Commonwealth’s urban centers by honoring George Knight & Company with the Governor’s Inner City Investment Award.
Presented monthly, the Inner City Investment Award is given to individuals whose leadership and business success have brought new economic investment and jobs to the Bay State’s cities.
“Massachusetts is fortunate to have some of the nation’s most innovative companies and entrepreneurs who are helping to drive economic growth and promote urban revitalization,” said Healey. “For over four generations, George Knight & Company has set the standard for excellence in business and community service.”
The award, part of Romney’s “Jobs First” initiative, honors the dedication and hard work of men and women who contribute to the revitalization of the Commonwealth’s cities.
Romney also created the Governor’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award to recognize the innovation that drives the state’s economy.
Established in 1885, George Knight & Company manufactures industrial press machinery and die cutting equipment. They started out producing cutting dyes and machinery used in the manufacturing of shoes, but when companies in the shoe industry were leaving Massachusetts in droves in the 1960s, the company looked for alternative options. For more than four decades, they have specialized in heat transfer press equipment for commercial, private and industrial use.
Today, they produce machines that imprint images on a variety of products – from t-shirts and tote bags to mugs, ceramic plates, mouse pads and jigsaw puzzles.
“George Knight & Company is an exemplary corporate citizen,” said Healey. “By putting the community first, George Knight sets a standard that all businesses should strive to match.”
In order for the company to remain competitive, they moved to a new facility in November, which required a $3 million investment. They will continue to own the building they left behind, but have committed to renovating it in a way that will enhance the downtown Brockton area.
“This is an award for all of us who truly care about the future of the city of Brockton,” said Chick Knight, CEO of George Knight & Company. “We hope this recognition will sound a positive note that will attract investors and developers to this community. As the center of commerce for Southeastern Massachusetts, Brockton provides solid opportunities for expansion of commercial and retail business as well as secure and convenient housing. We believe that providing more employment opportunities is the best way to return the city of Brockton to its place of prominence.”
Since July, the Romney Administration has presented the Governor’s Inner City Investment Award to H.O. Zimman Publishing of Lynn, Traditional Breads of Lynn, Eastern Fisheries of New Bedford, City Fresh Foods of Dorchester, Court Square Data Group of Springfield, Visualization Technology of Lawrence, City Lights Electrical of Boston and Mill City Environmental Services of Lowell.
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