Metal Tech, Inc. Wins Statewide Governor’s Cup Award
Metal Tech, Inc. of Gulfport, Mississippi was recently recognized as the 2008 statewide winner of the Governor’s Cup Award in the small business category for 50 or less employees. One of the highest honors presented by the governor, the award recognizes private sector businesses that have made a significant impact within their communities.
Specializing in custom welding, fabrication and machining of small batch jobs, Metal Tech was opened in 1999 by Mike Funk as an offshoot of his father Charlie’s company, Metal Parts. Together with his brother, Karl Funk, and third partner, Jeff Mattina, Mike Funk has seen Metal Parts grow to over 50 employees, with a record year in 2008.
Governor Haley Barbour acknowledged Metal Tech’s achievements, as well as that of the big business category winner, at the awards banquet, saying, “I am pleased to recognize the hard work and dedication of the 2008 statewide Governor’s Cup Award recipients. Metal Tech, Inc. and Entergy Mississippi, Inc. represent the finest in corporate citizenship and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for citizens across the state.”
Metal Tech’s citizenship starts at home, within the company, and extends into the community. Metal Tech recognizes that its employees are its greatest strength. From the core group that started with them in 1999, most are still employed with the company. Metal Tech has continually strived to offer competitive wages, working conditions and benefits, as well as the opportunity for all employees to advance. They offer full medical and dental plans and match retirement contributions up to three percent per year.
Community involvement is inherent at Metal Tech. The company and its employees contribute both money and time to charitable organizations and schools across the Gulf Coast. Metal Tech also participates in YouthBuild, a program that teaches local at-risk high school students a valuable trade, while helping them obtain their GEDs. Through the program, long-time employees of Metal Tech mentor young men with supervised workdays at the plant.
