TROY, Mich. – Gabriel (Ride Control LLC) has received the 2012 Governor’s Manufacturing Leadership Award in Oklahoma. The award was presented on Sept. 26, at the annual Oklahoma Conference on Manufacturing held in Tulsa, Okla.
 
Each year, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin bestows awards on a select few manufacturers in Oklahoma in recognition of their pace-setting standards. Recipients of the award must be progressive, forward-thinking and willing to adapt to change to become more successful in their marketplace.
 
The recipients of this award “represent the enormous potential available in Oklahoma and take a leadership role in promoting the importance of doing business in and from our state,” said Chuck Prucha, president of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance. “Gabriel Ride Control is a remarkable organization and has had an amazing impact on its community through its innovative growth.”
 
Gabriel has a 370,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Chickasha, Okla. In 2009, Ride Control made a commitment to Chickasha and to its valued and experienced employee base to remain and grow its manufacturing and distribution efforts there. Since then, Ride Control total employment has grown to more than 350 employees today, a 75 percent increase in only three short years.
 
A committee made up of manufacturing professionals selected the award winners this year. Only four companies receive the award annually.
 
“Gabriel is honored that the Governor of Oklahoma has recognized our commitment to Oklahoma, to our family of hard-working employees here, and to the community of Chickasha with this award,” said Lisa Bahash, president and CEO Gabriel. “We value our relationships here, appreciate their efforts, and share this award with them all.”