Capel, Inc. announced that it was recently honored by the North Carolina State University Industrial Extension Service (IES) as a recipient of the "1B4NC" award for the company's dedication to sustaining North Carolina's industry and economic growth. The award was presented in a ceremony held in Troy at Capel's headquarters on Monday, February 22, in the same building the Capel family business began in 1917.
During the ceremony Capel's Director of Manufacturing Richard Capel thanked IES for the recognition. "I'm humbled by this," said Richard, who has been a driving force for the incorporation of lean principles into the company's daily operations. Richard also took the opportunity to thank the company's employees: "This just wouldn't have been possible without your help and I thank you."
The relationship between IES and Capel began more than 10 years ago. Since that time, the company has improved their competitive edge and efficiencies, preserving approximately $2 million in economic value for the state.
"There are three outcomes we strive for when working with clients: improve the process, teach the tools and grow a culture," said IES Extension Specialist Steve Laton, who first helped bring the concept of leaner operations to Capel. "We did all three here at Capel and they should be proud."
Laton's private industry experience includes time as a plant manager at Collins and Aikman in Troy, just blocks from Capel's headquarters. He spoke of how he would drive by and hope Capel would be one of the companies to "make it."
"I'm pulling for Capel every day," said Laton. "There's a reason this company is still here, when many companies aren't and that's the people. Many of Capel's employees have been working for the company for most of their lives."
Capel is one of 25 companies across the state that have been recognized in IES's 1B4NC campaign, an effort to create $1 billion in economic benefit for North Carolina by 2010 by partnering with industry throughout the state.
Since January 2006, the campaign has provided North Carolina more than $854 million in jobs saved, cost savings and increased sales.
About Capel, Inc.: Capel, Inc. is America's oldest and largest privately owned rug manufacturer and importer, founded in 1917 by A. Leon Capel. The company has thrived under the direction of the Capel family for three generations in Troy, where the company still does the spinning, dyeing, weaving, braiding and sewing for Capel's "American Original" braided rugs.
From original braids and the finest hand-knotted rugs to innovative indoor-outdoor and youth-friendly collections, Capel offers more rugs in more categories than any other rug company. The company's complete product line includes one-of-a-kind, Capel proprietary, private label and licensed designer rugs.
Capel rugs are sold through independent retailers, catalogs and designer showrooms in High Point, NC, Atlanta, GA, Las Vegas, NV and San Francisco, CA, as well as through company-owned Capel retail outlets in Troy, Raleigh, Charlotte, Blowing Rock and Greenville, NC, Greenville, SC, Richmond, VA, Memphis, TN, Indianapolis, IN and Dallas, TX.
About NC State University Industrial Extension Service (IES): IES is the outreach function of North Carolina State University's College of Engineering. They work with industries from the coast to the mountains and deliver results in quality, productivity, safety, environmental protection, energy management and top-line growth. In 2008, working with IES typically offered a return on investment of $21 for every dollar spent by client companies.