The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce presented Wiggins Lift Co., Inc. with the “Innovative Business of the Year” award at its 65th Community & Business Awards Luncheon on Friday, June 26, 2015 at 11:30 at the Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard.

CEO Michele Wiggins-McDowell was present to accept the award for the company, and spoke briefly:

“On behalf of all the employees of Wiggins Lift Company,  thank you to the Chamber of Commerce for this award. I am especially honored to accept this award for innovation, because that’s where the roots of our company lie. In the 1950s, my grandfather, Mel Wiggins, worked on agricultural equipment in Oxnard. He was frustrated that the engines were not easily accessible in the fields. He believed he could build a better machine, and Wiggins Lift Company was born.Under his leadership, and then of his son—my father—Mike Wiggins, the company continued to provide unique and innovative solutions in areas of agriculture, construction, stevedoring, military, mining, and the marine dry stack industry. Customers come to us with problems, and our engineers and fabricators design solutions. Our products are unique, customized, and reliable.”

 

“As today’s third-generation leader of Wiggins Lift, I am proud to say that the tradition continues as we ship products all over the world. Wiggins lifts are found working on the decks of Navy ships in rough seas, deep inside dark mining tunnels, handling nuclear waste in Canada, and transporting boats in marinas on lakes and oceans everywhere. Last year we shipped the world’s largest Marina lift to Florida; this month we sent our most innovative product ever to Australia—the Marina Flex.”

 

“Oxnard has been home to our business and our family for over 60 years and four generations. It has been home for our extended family—our employees. To receive an award for innovation celebrates our work. To receive it from the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce celebrates our home.”

 

“From all of the employees of Wiggins Lift Company, past and present…thank you.”