Metrics Named Industry of the Year for 2007-08
Greenville, NC (February 26, 2008) - Metrics, Inc. has been selected as Pitt County’s Industry of the Year for 2008. Each year the Pitt County Development Commission (PCDC) solicits nominations from Pitt County citizens to recognize a manufacturer or distributor that has surpassed the already high corporate standards in this community. Metrics was selected because they exemplified commitment to the community, commitment to their employees and commitment to being the best in the industry.
Metrics is an outstanding company in every way” says PCDC Executive Director Wanda Yuhas, “They’re a local start-up that has grown into an industry leader. They are a source of pride for us all.”
Founded in 1994, Metrics, Inc., has transformed itself from a start-up analytical laboratory into one of the country’s premier pharmaceutical development laboratories. From 2005 through 2007 Metrics has, at the request of its employees, directly contributed over $140,000 to more than 75 local charitable organizations including the Boys & Girls Club of Pitt County. Encouraged to do so by management, Metrics’ employees are actively involved in the community by volunteering their time to help with organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Moose Lodge, the public school system, the Red Cross, volunteer fire departments, churches, school PTAs, Habitat for Humanity, Multiple Sclerosis, Pitt County Memorial Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and various children’s recreational leagues and events.
Metrics has been one of the most generous and supportive companies we have worked with in the county, by sharing the time and talent of their leadership as well as by making very significant financial contributions” said Jay Faron, Executive Director of the Pitt County Boys & Girls Club.
Metrics is also a strong supporter of East Carolina University and the chemistry department. Metrics has developed a Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) analytical chemistry class for the chemistry department that better prepares chemists for careers in the bio/pharmaceutical field. Metrics was also heavily involved in providing instructional personnel and analytical equipment for the class. Other contributions to the chemistry department include financial support for undergraduate teaching assistants and departmental operations.
Metrics attributes its success to its people and a unique corporate culture that values their knowledge and skills. Employees are provided with excellent wage and compensation packages and offered access to other programs such as computer reimbursement plans and sponsorship of recreational activities for employees. Metrics also ensures that their employees work in a safe environment by mandating a comprehensive safety program which has resulted in 1,970,235 hours without lost time since 2001. These same employees are heavily involved with assisting clients in the formulation and development of tomorrow’s drugs, today. In addition to the development and formulation of these new products, Metrics also develops the testing procedures for these products including drugs for various types of cancer, hepatitis B and C, diabetes and HIV/AIDS.
In just a few short years and with little advertising, Metrics has become recognized as an industry leader in contract pharmaceutical development receiving awards such as Wall Street Journal’s “Top Small Workplace” and receiving the Council for Entrepreneurial Development’s Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. Metrics has achieved a stellar, international reputation in the pharmaceutical industry as a reputable, technically sound contract development lab. Growth has exceeded 20% per year and this year they will soon be occupying their 47,000 ft2 addition that will nearly double the capacity of the facility. Metrics has been and continues to be a strong and viable economic source for Pitt County and all of eastern North Carolina.
John Chaffee, Director of the Eastern Regional Office of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, said, “I have known the founders, Mr. Phil Hodges and Dr. John Bray, since the inception of Metrics in 1994 – They are among the most honorable, compassionate, and community-minded business leaders I have ever known.”
Since 1997, PCDC has recognized an outstanding manufacturer or distributor for their contributions to the community. Previous recipients include Procter & Gamble, NACCO, Collins & Aikman, The Roberts Company, Grady-White Boats, ASMO, Winterville Machine Works, The Hammock Source, AccuCopy and DSM.
The award will be presented to Metrics at the annual Existing Industry Appreciation Reception on February 26th, 2008. This year’s reception is sponsored by the Pitt County Development Commission, Greenville Utilities Commission and DSM, Inc.
