Questech® Wins New England Innovation Award
11/20/2006
(Rutland, VT – November 20, 2006) Questech Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer of premium stone and metal tile solutions, recently was awarded the Smaller Business Association of New England’s (SBANE) prestigious 2006 New England Innovation Award, joining past Vermont-based winners Ben & Jerry’s, Green Mountain Coffee and The Vermont Teddy Bear Company. “It is truly an honor to be among this select group of innovative and successful companies,” said Barry Culkin, president and chief executive officer of Questech Corporation. “This award reflects our commitment to artistry and imagination, honoring our pledge to find original ways to make people’s homes more beautiful and welcoming.”
For two decades, SBANE has been granting New England-based companies this exclusive award in recognition of their demonstrated ability to turn innovative ideas into successful enterprises. A panel of 42 judges evaluated this year’s 172 nominees, and Questech was among the six winners chosen.
According to Mr. Culkin, the company’s legacy of innovation comes from noted sculptor and founder Roger Questel. “Roger invented a revolutionary technology—a process for casting beautiful metal objects at a fraction of the weight and cost of solid metals,” Culkin said. “His discovery allowed us to launch the industry’s first mass-produced cast metal tiles, creating an important category in the tile and home improvement markets.” Mr. Questel is chairman of the board and creative director, leading the design and development of new and innovative additions to the company’s product lines.
Today, the company is the leading manufacturer of cast metal and cast stone decorative tiles and accessories, and has recently introduced coordinating tumbled marble tiles protected by Q-Seal™, a factory-applied, permanent sealer that is water, stain and mold resistant. All Questech products are protected by Q-Seal and are guaranteed to be “Beautiful for Life™”, giving contractors and homeowners a worry and maintenance-free solution.
According to Mr. Culkin, Questech products are in high demand in tile distributors and dealers across the country. “We have aggressive plans to continue to grow the business and build on our record growth pace of the last several years”, said Culkin. “We are confident in our abilities to continue to introduce innovative new products and to remain a design leader in the industry.”
About Questech
Headquartered in Rutland Vermont, Questech Corporation manufactures Cast Metal, Cast Stone and Natural Stone with Q-Seal, distributing exclusive product lines through leading partner manufacturers and a nationwide network of exclusive distributors. For more information on products and where to get Questech tiles and accessories, visit the company’s website at www.questech.com.
About SBANE
The Smaller Business Association of New England (SBANE) is a nonprofit organization established in 1938 to promote and protect small businesses. Its 1000+ member companies in six states range from sole-proprietorship service businesses and growing high technology firms to 200-employee manufacturing plants. SBANE's programs and services address the shared interests and needs of its diverse membership.
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