AKRON (Nov. 6, 2012)—Harwick Standard Distribution Corp. has been lauded by the city of Akron on its 80th anniversary of operation.
A proclamation signed by Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic called Harwick Standard “one of our most important businesses, and as the premier sales, marketing, technical and logistics experts in today's highly-competitive polymer industry.”
The proclamation was presented at the International Rubber Expo in Cincinnati.
Harwick Standard was founded as Standard Chemical in 1932 by Curtis J. Harwick. The company began by specializing in the distribution of rubber compounding materials, and has evolved to become a major distributor to the rubber, plastics and adhesives industries. It is one of about 20 Akron companies with at least 50 employees to have been in business for eight or more decades.
Ernie Pouttu, president and CEO for Harwick Standard, said the honor was unexpected.
“While at the Expo, we held an 80th Anniversary celebration. Sam DeShazior, deputy planning director for economic development for the City of Akron, and Adele Roth, the city's development manager, attended on behalf of Mayor Don Plusquellic. They had some mysterious object in a large plastic bag ... then they surprised us with this wonderful proclamation. We were thrilled to be able to share that moment with customers and suppliers who were there,” Pouttu said.
Harwick Standard also was recognized by several Ohio state representatives.