Paper or plastic?
The common grocery store query was actually a career path decision for Mike Rekitzke, president and CEO of N.E.W. Plastics Corp. in Luxemburg, one of two Kewaunee County companies nominated for Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year.
Rekitzke logged 18 years in the paper industry before taking the reins at N.E.W. Plastics four and a half years ago. He says being nominated for the award is an honor for the whole team.
Rekitzke says his company was able to keep their business churning through the economic downturn and recently posted a record quarter.
Rekitzke says their business philosophy centers on "the three c's" -- communication, common sense and caring.
N.E.W. Plastics -- nominated in the medium-size business category -- manufactures plastic containers for both the chemical and food & beverage industries. They also have a recycling wing that creates building construction products like decking boards and plastic sheets used for signage. The company employs about 190 workers.
Olson Fabrication of Algoma is nominated in the small business category.
Winners will be announced at a black-tie awards banquet February 28 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.
