Avtec Named One of SC's 25 Fastest-Growing Companies

Avtec, Inc., a communications technology company based in Gilbert, was recently named one of South Carolina’s 25 fastest-growing companies.

The company plans to complete its new $6-million headquarters near the intersection of South Lake Drive and Glassmaster Boulevard in Lexington by May 2013. 

Since 2001, the annual competition has recognized the achievements of the state’s top-performing private and publicly-held companies. Candidates must be headquartered in South Carolina and meet operational and financial qualifications.

“We had a very strong field of contenders,” said Cristina Schleifer of Capital Corporation, one of the sponsors of the competition. “Many of the winners are new this year, which is a testament to the strength and growth of the South Carolina economy.”

An award ceremony was held on Nov. 14 by the sponsors of the competition: Capital Corporation investment bank, Scott and Company accountants, Columbia Business Monthly, and Greenville Business Magazine. Avtec president Michael Branning accepted the award.

“This recognition reflects the high caliber of our employees, and the trust that our customers and business partners have placed in us," Branning said. "We are going to work hard to make this list again next year.”

Nominees submitted financial and employee growth data to Scott and Company LLC, which verified the information and determined the rankings. Members of the sponsoring organizations made site visits to the nominees’ businesses to meet with company executives and view the facilities and offices. “We were very impressed with the steady financial growth of all the companies and are optimistic about their continued success,” said Don Mobley, managing member of Scott and Company.

“I was inspired by how so many of the companies had reinvented themselves to weather the economic downturn and have come out of it stronger than ever,” said Lori Coon, publisher of Columbia Business Monthly and Greenville Business Magazine.

Avtec, one of two Lexington County companies to win the award, was named the 19th fastest-growing business in the state. New South Supply, a distributor of construction supplies based in West Columbia, came in at number 24 on the list.

View a complete listing of South Carolina’s 25 Fastest Growing Companies award winners.