ZANESVILLE - Stewart Glapat Corporation found its niche with the adjustoveyor in 1946.

The telescoping extendable conveyor belt is vital part of the distribution process, aiding with the loading and unloading of products at dock doors.

More than 10,000 are used across the United States and internationally.

Knowing the company's impact is hard to comprehend, said David Stewart, director of Sales & EVP.

Stewart Glapat, a family-owned business, celebrates 80 years after being founded by David's grandfather, Charles T. Stewart, Sr.

"Some of the largest companies in the world have a machine that says it was made in Zanesville," David said. "Having so many depend on us provides a sense of pride that is hard to describe."

The company's continued success is why the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance (EODA) recognized them for an Excellence in Technology award in April.

Stewart Glapat was honored due to the designing and manufacturing of specialized equipment and working with Zane State College and Mid-East Career and Technology Center to recruit employees, according to the EODA.

The accolade recognizes excellence in small or emerging business operations in Eastern Ohio and is selected by regional representatives. Nominees must be located in the 16-county EODA region.

Stewart Glapat currently has 50 employees, and David noted sales increased 60% from 2017 to 2018.

"We've added jobs and hired more people," David said. "Those numbers grabbed the attention of the Port Authority, who wanted to know ways they could help. They nominated us, and we're honored.

"This would not be possible without the dedicated careers of countless teams of people," he added. "We're on pace to have our best year yet. We're growing, and we're in perfect position to take off."

Stewart Glapat takes pride in using local and state products. They work with HR Tools and Modern Glass Paint and Tile Company in Zanesville and E Z Grout in Morgan County. The company also uses steel from in-state providers, Benjamin Steel in Springfield and Lapham-Hickey in Columbus.

"We provide well-paying jobs, but we also want to support other local businesses," said Amy Stewart, the company's president and CFO. "Our goal is to help the community any way we can."

Serving customers the right way is also a priority. Dr. William T. Stewart, CEO, said each machine has his or an engineer's phone number in case of problems.

"We will walk them through everything no matter the time or day," William said. "We want to make friends with our customers. We don't want them to be anxious so we believe in them having access to us at any time."

Dollar General is one of the company's local users, while national-based companies, including Walmart, Frito-Lay, Macys, Best Buy, LaserShip, FedEx, Sally Beauty, Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits and Empire Distributors, also employ the adjustoveyors.

There are 16 models available, including the Man-On-Board and a semi-enclosed trailer, while four engineers design products to meet each customer's needs.

Amy said technology has aided her family's company's growth. They are able to track and design products easier, while also ensuring their customers are satisfied.

"We want to have strong, close relationships with our customers, and we aim to provide a product that facilitates their process," she said. "E-commerce and online delivery has boosted our production so it's important that we provide different models to meet their needs so they can deliver products quickly and efficiently."

The success of Stewart Glapat starts and ends with the foundation of a dedicated team.

"We have a lot of people who have been with us 30, 40 years and getting ready to retire, but we're finding younger people who have the right fit," David said. "Our experienced workers are willing to show the younger ones the ropes. It's an example of our no-nonsense approach. Each machine represents us, and we expect it to be the top of the line before it leaves here."

Treating the employees, like their customers, ensures quality production and remains the foundation to Stewart Glapat's success.

"Our employees work hard and provide good quality products," Amy said. "We ask a lot of them, but they are well-skilled and perform well. We wouldn't be where we are without any of them."