Braun Industries is a company largely defined by its location and the employees that call it home. In recent months, we have been nominated or awarded with several regional awards that we are proud to share. Van Wert, Ohio has been a great city to work in and in cooperation with, and we look forward to helping improve the community and enhancing the lives of its residents for many years to come.

In late September 2014, President of Braun Industries, Kim Braun, made her way to the stage at the 10^th Annual Van Wert City Economic Development Dinner and Awards. Kim was there to accept the Large Enterprise of the Year Award, and was able to reflect on what the area has meant to her family’s business over the years.

““It feels really good to be appreciated by your community. I think it takes two partners in any relationship, and we were in the shoes 15 years ago of trying to decide where we were going to go and how we were going to do things, and this community came together as one and presented us with not just an opportunity with incentives, but more importantly an opportunity with a workforce and a culture where we wanted to grow our business in, and we’re absolutely thrilled to be a part of this city, and continue to keep growing,” Kim said.

She also had an opportunity to document her thoughts as part of a promotional film for WhyVanWert.org. You can check it out below.

Late last year, Braun Industries was also honored at the 2014 Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon. Fifty-five companies were nominated, and thirty-two competed in seven different categories. Braun Industries received the 2014 Manufacturing Excellence Award. This was given for demonstrating sound business practices and leadership within the manufacturing industry based on economic impact, excellence, and support for community-oriented projects. The award was co-sponsored by the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, Times Bulletin Media, and Citizens National Bank.

“Winning the Manufacturing Excellence Award is a tribute to the hard working, innovative employees at Braun Industries that design, support and manufacturer our emergency vehicles.  Their commitment to excellence and customer focus is what Braun is all about.  The Braun Ambulances are truly ‘Built for Life’,” says Gary Kohl’s. Gary is Braun Industries’ Vice President of Manufacturing, he was on hand to accept the award on November 14, 2014.

In late summer 2014, we were able to expand our campus with the opening of the new Braun Industries’ Service Facility. This expansion qualified us for the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce Golden Shovel Award. The award is given out to chamber members who have undergone an addition, expansion, or new construction project, and also display a commitment to the community through continuous improvements in the facility and services they provide.  Our new Service Facility is 49,500 square feet. Featuring multiple service bays, 2 paint booths, a sanding room, vehicle lifts, metal fabrication equipment, an electrical workshop, and a stock room area, the new location has allowed us to significantly increase our service offerings. Most notably, we now provide factory direct ambulance remounts and refurbishments. We received the Golden Shovel Award at the 93^rd Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony on February 9, 2015.

We were also honored to receive a nomination for the Chamber’s Crystal Image award. This award recognizes chamber members that have demonstrated leadership within the Van Wert community through business responsibility, productivity strength, employee empowerment, and service to the community. We are very committed to serving the residents of Van Wert and the surrounding areas. We are involved in such activities as the VWHS Project Lead the Way program by providing scholarships and internships, as well as the Van Wert Middle School and High School renaissance program. We have provided financial donations to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio, the Van Wert County Hospital ER expansion project, the Business Development Corporation, and the Van Wert Rotary Scholarship Program. Braun is also committed to the community through its involvement with the United Way, D.A.R.E., the Van Wert Parks Department, Junior Achievement, Toys-for-Tots, Junior Fair Board and Junior Livestock Auction, 4^th of July Fireworks, and various cancer awareness initiatives.

We appreciate the support of the community and the recognition from various organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce. We truly enjoy being part of Van Wert, and are pleased to see we are making a difference!