Werner Co.'s William T. Allen Honored as CEO of the Year in the For-Profit Large Company Category

GREENVILLE, Pa., May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- William T. Allen, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board at Werner Co. was honored as one of the CEOs of the Year by the Pittsburgh Business Times 2012 Diamond Awards, which recognizes the area's most accomplished business leaders in several categories. The Diamond Awards Program was held on April 26th at the Lexus Club at PNC Park.

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Allen's innovative leadership style kicked into fast gear when taking control of the ladder company. Empowering the staff to generate ideas, make decisions, and run with a plan under his guidance has led the company to make key acquisitions, introduce new product lines and expand internationally into the UK, Canada, Mexico, China, Australia, New Zealand, Central America and the recent launch of Western Europe.

"I get a great deal of satisfaction to watch a company come to life," says Allen. "I encourage and allow my staff to participate, to make mistakes, to do things on their own and not have to ask permission."

Allen, who had been involved in corporate turnaround work until his appointment as President in 2007, believes strongly in the power of individuals' contributions to maintaining the health and prosperity of a large company. "He doesn't tell people what to do. Instead, he allows people to make decisions…not expecting every decision to be the right one," says Larry Friend, CFO of the company.

But most of the decisions have been the right ones. Werner Co. has introduced the revolutionary compact extension ladder that fits into most cars, a completely revised line of attic ladders that fits most homeowners' requirements, and a new line of fall protections products in this last year alone.

Allen describes the key to his satisfaction with the job as "Seeing a number of projects underway come together."

Additionally, Werner Co. has also been awarded the 2012 North American Retail Hardware Association's (NRHA) Gold Distinction Awards for both the packaging and merchandising categories with the new Werner attic ladder line, demonstrating Werner's commitment to providing their retailers with top-notch selling tools.

ABOUT WERNER CO.
Werner Co. is a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of ladders, climbing equipment, ladder accessories and fall protection products under Werner, Green Bull, Keller and other licensed brands. Werner is North America's #1 brand in ladders and has built a reputation of excellence in safety for professionals and consumers. Backed by decades of product innovation, Werner ladders are recognized for their durability and quality. All Werner ladders meet or exceed applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) codes and standards for strength and structural integrity. Werner is headquartered in Greenville, Pennsylvania. For more information about Werner Co., visit www.wernerco.com.

SOURCE Werner Co.