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Sailrite honored as an “Indiana Company to Watch”

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Whitley County business honored as an “Indiana Company to Watch”

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COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (September 6, 2012) – Sailrite Enterprises (Sailrite), a second-generation marine canvas supplier located in Gateway Industrial Park near Columbia City, was recently honored among only twenty-five 2012 “Indiana Companies to Watch” by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the Indiana Small Business Development Center.

“Sailrite’s commitment to innovation and providing excellent customer service has really propelled the business forward in the marine industry and has given us opportunities for growth in new markets,” said Matt Grant, “Indiana is a very business-friendly state and Hoosier workers have such strong work ethics. We are honored to receive this recognition from the State of Indiana and will continue to pursue excellence in our field for years to come."

Indiana Companies to Watch celebrates privately held Indiana based second-stage companies that have advanced beyond the startup phase. These companies demonstrate high performance in the marketplace or exhibit innovative products or processes. The awards program is designed to seek businesses from a wide range of industries throughout the state, not just the major metropolitan areas. The companies selected each year make an astounding impact on Indiana's economy by collectively providing thousands of jobs and contributing millions of dollars in revenue.

“On behalf of Whitley County, I am proud that a locally grown business received this special recognition,” said Whitley County Board of Commissioners chairman Don Amber, “I look forward to working with the EDC to encourage Sailrite’s continued success in our community in the years ahead.”

Sailrite is known as a canvass workers hardware store, selling fabric, hardware, and apparel product lines. The second generation family business was the first company to provide instructions and materials for amateur sailmaking. Under the guidance of owners Matt and Hallie Grant, the company has expanded its product lines with Sailrite branded and patented semi-industrial sewing machines for canvas workers.

In 2011, the company acquired the former Kilgore Manufacturing Company, Inc. facility at the intersection of US Highway 30 and County Road 100 South near Columbia City. Sailrite previously operated in Whitley County until the early 2000’s, when the business outgrew its downtown Columbia City building.

Sailrite is the second Whitley County based company to be recognized as by Indiana Companies To Watch. Micropulse Inc. was honored among the inaugural class of Indiana Companies To Watch in 2008 and was subsequently recognized as a Spotlight Awardee for the company’s ongoing business success in 2010.

About Sailrite Enterprises
From its start in 1969, Sailrite has focused on serving as a source of materials and instruction for amateur sailmakers. In the process, the company made sailing accessible to boaters of all skill levels with books, videos, and instructional guides. Sailrite has grown into areas other than sailmaking and has become a canvas worker’s hardware store, offering fabric, hardware, and other product lines. The company was started in a garage in Ponoma, California more than 40 years ago, was relocated to Indiana in 1976, and has remained in the Midwest ever since. For more information about Sailrite, visit www.sailrite.com.

About Whitley County EDC
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead economic development agency in Whitley County, Indiana. The EDC works closely with local, regional, and state partners to support our industry clients' growth and success. Our mission is to implement a unified economic development effort and to expand employment and business opportunities for the benefit of the people of Whitley County by developing and maintaining cooperation of all individuals, groups, and organizations within the county. The Whitley County EDC was established in 1992 and represents Whitley County, Columbia City, and the Towns of Churubusco, Larwill, and South Whitley. For more information about the EDC, visit www.whitleyedc.com.

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Media Contacts:
Alan Tio (Whitley County EDC) – 260.244.5506
Matt Grant (Sailrite) – 260.244.4647
 
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