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The Union photo/David B. Torch Charlotte Osborne winds and seals heating panels in the work area of Benchmark Thermal. The business in the Loma Rica industrial area makes electrical heating elements for food service, aircraft repair and medical equipment.
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ENLARGE
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The Union photo/John Hart George Maier, co-owner of Maier Manufacturing Inc., stands in front of an inventory of motorcycle and ATV parts made at the Grass Valley-area business. He owns it with brothers Charlie and Mark Maier.
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Export manufacturing makes up about 10 percent of the economy in Nevada County, making it an important sector - especially as local leaders look for ways to diversify an economy that depends heavily on real estate and construction.
The Nevada County Economic Resource Council is offering a tour Thursday of two manufacturers that produce goods for export out of the area. It's the second year the nonprofit economic development group has offered tours highlighting key community businesses.
The tour visits Benchmark Thermal, Maier Manufacturing Inc. and Nevada County Airport. Here are some details on the local businesses:
Benchmark Thermal
The business at 13185 Nevada City Ave., on Loma Rica, makes electrical heating elements used in food service, aircraft repair and medical equipment, said Kelly Reis, the company's sales manager.
The Nevada County Economic Resource Council is offering a tour Thursday of two manufacturers that produce goods for export out of the area. It's the second year the nonprofit economic development group has offered tours highlighting key community businesses.
The tour visits Benchmark Thermal, Maier Manufacturing Inc. and Nevada County Airport. Here are some details on the local businesses:
Benchmark Thermal
The business at 13185 Nevada City Ave., on Loma Rica, makes electrical heating elements used in food service, aircraft repair and medical equipment, said Kelly Reis, the company's sales manager.
Bob Hannah and Gil Mathew started the company in 1984. In 2006, the company was sold to Global Heating Solutions in Allegan, Mich.
These aren't mass produced products, Reis said.
"These are highly technical applications of heating elements where customization is required," Reis said.
About 50 people work at the business.
Maier Manufacturing Inc.
Avid motorcycle rider Charlie Maier worked at a company making motorcycle accessories when he decided to branch out on his own. He formed Maier Manufacturing Inc. in 1972; his brothers, George and Mark, eventually joined him.
These aren't mass produced products, Reis said.
"These are highly technical applications of heating elements where customization is required," Reis said.
About 50 people work at the business.
Maier Manufacturing Inc.
Avid motorcycle rider Charlie Maier worked at a company making motorcycle accessories when he decided to branch out on his own. He formed Maier Manufacturing Inc. in 1972; his brothers, George and Mark, eventually joined him.
The business makes plastic motorcycle and ATV accessories such as fenders, windshields and windscreens, co-owner George Maier said.
"The motorcycle industry is off a little bit," Maier said. Business interest has been at a lower ebb "the past year or two" because of high gasoline prices and the flagging housing market, he said.
Between 40 and 65 people work for Maier Manufacturing, depending on the season, Maier said.
The business is located at 416 Crown Point Circle, in the Whispering Pines area of Grass Valley.
Nevada County Airport
"The motorcycle industry is off a little bit," Maier said. Business interest has been at a lower ebb "the past year or two" because of high gasoline prices and the flagging housing market, he said.
Between 40 and 65 people work for Maier Manufacturing, depending on the season, Maier said.
The business is located at 416 Crown Point Circle, in the Whispering Pines area of Grass Valley.
Nevada County Airport
"We wanted to show it off because not many know what goes on at the airport," said Economic Resource Council CEO Chuck Neeley.
The airport is home to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Grass Valley Air Attack Base. Calfire's base at the airport uses two Grumman S-2 air tankers that drop fire retardant, and an air attack plane that coordinates the tanker's efforts, according to Nevada County's Web site.
Business owners and local residents use the airport to fly their private planes, according to the Web site.
Errol McBoyle, an owner of the Idaho-Maryland Mine, built the airport in 1932 to fly gold to what is now San Francisco International Airport.
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To contact Staff Writer Greg Moberly, e-mail gregm@theunion. com or call 477-4234.
The airport is home to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Grass Valley Air Attack Base. Calfire's base at the airport uses two Grumman S-2 air tankers that drop fire retardant, and an air attack plane that coordinates the tanker's efforts, according to Nevada County's Web site.
Business owners and local residents use the airport to fly their private planes, according to the Web site.
Errol McBoyle, an owner of the Idaho-Maryland Mine, built the airport in 1932 to fly gold to what is now San Francisco International Airport.
ooo
To contact Staff Writer Greg Moberly, e-mail gregm@theunion. com or call 477-4234.
ERC export
manufacturing tour set
The Economic Resource Council of Nevada County will host a tour of two manufacturing companies and the county airport.
The tour includes a continental breakfast at the Nevada County Fairgrounds at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, a lunch at the fairgrounds and a wine tasting from local vineyards and wineries at the end of the day.
Anyone wanting to take the tour can call the council at 274-8455.
The tour, which includes a bus ride to the businesses, costs $50 per person.
- Greg Moberly
manufacturing tour set
The Economic Resource Council of Nevada County will host a tour of two manufacturing companies and the county airport.
The tour includes a continental breakfast at the Nevada County Fairgrounds at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, a lunch at the fairgrounds and a wine tasting from local vineyards and wineries at the end of the day.
Anyone wanting to take the tour can call the council at 274-8455.
The tour, which includes a bus ride to the businesses, costs $50 per person.
- Greg Moberly
