February 22, 2009

Two Kenosha County Companies among Thirty Named 'Wisconsin Companies to Watch'

Kenosha Area Business Alliance Press Release

Bradshaw Medical, Inc. and LMI Packaging Solutions, Inc. were winners of the inaugural year of Wisconsin Companies to Watch (CTW). Companies to Watch is an awards program developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation to honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace, exhibit innovative products, services or processes, or otherwise make their company "worth watching."

In addition to an evaluation on past growth and projected success, applicant companies are judged according to their special strengths. These strengths revolve around innovative products and business practices, special use of technology, work within the community and more.

Winners will be honored at a recognition ceremony April 13 th in Madison. They will also have an opportunity to attend a complimentary three-day Leadership Retreat, hosted by the Edward Lowe Foundation at their Michigan headquarters this summer.

Kenosha-based Bradshaw Medical designs and manufactures hand-held surgical tools, specializing in those for spinal orthopedic surgeries. Founded in 2006, Bradshaw is currently constructing a new 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility located at 10325 58th Place in the Business Park of Kenosha, one mile west of the company's current headquarters. The company has experienced rapid growth since its inception, increasing from a handful of employees to over 75 today. Bradshaw was also honored in 2007 with an Economic Impact Award by KABA and the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce.

LMI Packaging Solutions, based in Pleasant Prairie, provides heat seal lidding solutions for many popular branded and private label single serve cups of yogurt, frosting, sauces and dressings. In 2004, LMI commercialized the first plastic heat seal lid, the ECOLID, in the United States and continues to develop more sustainable and user friendly solutions for its customers. Founded in 1967, LMI relocated from Chicago to Pleasant Prairie in 1994. Their corporate headquarters and a 79,000-square-foot manufacturing facility are located in LakeView Corporate Park. LMI was also honored last fall as the 2009 Business of the Year by KABA and the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about the Wisconsin Companies to Watch, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Commerce web site: http://commerce.wi.gov/NEWS/releases/2010/034.html.