Local businesses to be honored

Seven businesses in Carson City, Lyon County and Storey County will be honored this year at the 24th annual Governor's Industry Appreciation Awards for their expansions, new locations and operations.

The awards will be hosted by public-private economic development companies the Northern Nevada Development Authority (NNDA) and the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) Thursday in Reno. The Nevada Appeal is one of the sponsors.

Judi Bishop, a representative with NNDA, said finalists for the distinguished business awards in community support, education and workforce, innovation or start-up are picked by a committee. New or expanded business being honored have to have created jobs in Northern Nevada but make most of their business sales out of state.

These are the businesses in the area being recognized:

Universal Analyzers Inc./Barben Analyzer Technology

Location: 5200 Convair Drive, Carson City

Recognition: Honored for its expansion

The business: It makes instruments that allow customers to monitor and remove contaminates in gas. Don Peterson, company president, said one of the most common uses for the equipment is to clean up gas coming from a smoke stack. Since being founded in 1990 in Carson City, it has expanded to about 70 employees. Peterson said the company's expansion and award show how well it is doing. "You draw your own conclusions," he said.

Pacific Coast Flange

Location: 45 Stokes Drive, Mound House

Recognition: Honored for its expansion

The business: Mike Fite and Dennis Rinerson founded Pacific Coast Flange in 1995 and moved it to Mound House in 2004. It manufactures and modifies flanges. Pacific Coast Flange recently went through a $1.7 million expansion that added more equipment and property. It has 34 employees and won the Governor's Industry Award in 2004.

Niotan Inc.

Location: 16 Bruce Way, Mound House

Recognition: Honored for its expansion and nominated as a distinguished business for community support, innovation and education and workforce.

The business: Niotan makes a powder that helps run capacitors in electronics including computers, cell phones, car lights and pacemakers. The company started in 2001 and announced a $25 million expansion in May 2007. Michael Masegian, company controller, said the Niotan plans to continue to expand through 2010, but declined to say how many employees it has.

U.S. Ordnance Inc.

Location: Tahoe Reno Industrial Center in Storey County

Recognition: Honored for its expansion

The business: U.S. Ordnance makes, tests and distributes machine guns for the military and law enforcement. It started in Reno in 1997 but moved to Storey County in 2007 and now is in 65,000-square-foot building with about 30 employees. It is owned by Curtis and Mary Debord.

PPG Industries Inc.

Location: Tahoe Reno Industrial Center in Storey County

Recognition: Honored as a new business

The business: The international company makes water-based latex paint at the 95,000-square-foot Storey County plant that opened last year. It employees about 35 people and sells products under the Olympic, Lucite, Pittsburgh and other PPG paint brands. Terry McGinnis is the plant manager. PPG has more than 150 manufacturing facilities and affiliates in more than 60 countries, according to the company.

Thybar Corporation

Location: Tahoe Reno Industrial Center in Storey County

Recognition: Honored as a new business

The business: Thybar, based in North Canton, Ohio, started making custom sheet metal products including roof curbs, equipment bases, seismic curbs and prefabricated expansion joint systems this year at its 35,000-square-foot Storey County plant. Richard Brown is the plant manager.

PetSmart

Location: Tahoe Reno Industrial Center in Storey County

Recognition: Honored for its expansion

The business: PetSmart, the country's largest pet store chain, opened the 873,000-square-foot distribution center in Storey County this year, moving from a smaller building in Stead. Lou Fratturo is the manager at the distribution center.

- Contact reporter Dave Frank at dfrank@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.