With a $73 million capital improvements project under way andits continuing impact on the community, Delphi Packard ElectricSystems has been named the 2000 Industry of the Year by theIndustrial Development Foundation (IDF).

With a $73 million capital improvements project under way andits continuing impact on the community, Delphi Packard ElectricSystems has been named the 2000 Industry of the Year by theIndustrial Development Foundation (IDF).

Chandler Russ, executive vice-president of theBrookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, said the Delphiproject, which includes capital investments and facilityimprovements and the addition of 138 new employees, was “enormous”and unmatched in the area.

“I don’t know of another project in southwest Mississippi thatbig or with the many employees,” Russ said.

The award was announced Thursday during the 68th Annual Meetingof the chamber of commerce.

Ken Harlan, general manager, said the plant has been inBrookhaven almost 24 years. The company is continuing to makechanges in its business focus, and he credited employees for theirhard work at the plant and participation in local charitablefunctions.

“They’re willing to take some time and give it back to thecommunity,” Harlan said.

Within the last 18 months, Delphi had converted much of itsproduction from a labor-intensive, wire-cutting operation to ahighly-automated assembly process. The plant produces a variety ofautomotive components, including bussed electrical centers (BECs)for GM trucks and sport utility vehicles, electronic brake controlsfor GM and Isuzu vehicles and precision-molded parts for otherautomakers.

Delphi employs approximately 600 people at its plant onIndustrial Park Road. It contributes around $30 million a year inwages to the local economy and pays nearly $300,000 annually inproperty taxes, chamber officials said.

Phillip Price, 2000 IDF chairman, said Delphi was deserving ofthis year’s award.

“The IDF every year looks for the industry that has made asignificant commitment in Brookhaven and Lincoln County, and we areright on the mark this year in bestowing this recognition on DelphiPackard,” Price said.

With its project, Russ is proud of Delphi’s commitment toBrookhaven.

“It’s great to see a local industry upgrade, expand and moveswiftly into technology and technology upgrades,” Russ said. “Weare honored that they have faith in our community and are willingto make wonderful investments for their future and ours.”