Doug Krynik, owner and president of Krynic Manufacturing, was named the SBA’s Exporter of the Year in West Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic at a meeting of the Wood County Commission in court on Thursday. business is being discussed. (Photo: Evan Bevins)
PARKERSBURG — The Wood County Commission this week recognized the owner of a Parkersburg business named the West Virginia and Surrounding Area Small Business Administration’s Exporter of the Year.
“Recently, we shipped cargo to Ukraine and Thailand.” Doug Kreinik, owner and president of Kreinik Manufacturing Co. Inc., said at a committee meeting on Thursday. “We sell all over Europe, Asia. I actually have a distributor in Russia, but I haven’t served him for over a year because of the war in Ukraine.
The company produces specialty yarns used in everything from needlework and other crafts, to fly fishing lures, to elaborate stage and screen costumes.
“We sent a bulk order to Warner Bros. in the UK.” Kreinik added he didn’t know which project it was directed at, but “game of thrones” prequel “House of the Dragon”. The company’s metallic thread was previously used to accent the costumes of the original series.
The Kreinik factory on Gihon Road south of Parkersburg employs 24 people and the knitting machines run from midnight to 4:30 am.
“But we’re still three months late.” Kreinik cites the demand for the company’s products.
In a release announcing the State and Mid-Atlantic Awards, SBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator John Fleming called the business “A perfect example of the American Dream coming true.”
“Motivation, quick thinking and agility have enabled Doug and his employees to not only thrive during the pandemic, but to provide life-saving products to frontline workers around the world.” He pointed out that the company has modified machines to produce rubber for masks. “Kleinik Manufacturing proves that exports can make the difference between success and success.”
Kreinik’s parents started the business in 1973, Doug joined in 1983, bought the business with his brother in 1988, and took full ownership in 2008.
Kreinik has access to a variety of SBA products and services, most recently a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and a Paycheck Protection Program Loan.
“I met Doug in 2016 when he was named SBA WV Small Business Week District Family-Owned Small Business of the Year.” SBA District Director Karen Friel said in a release: “Since then, I have watched him utilize multiple (SBA) programs and services, such as Emerging Leaders and the National Trade Expansion Program, to sustain and grow his business even during the pandemic.”
Kreinik will accept the award at the SBA’s West Virginia Awards Luncheon on May 3, the release said.
Wood County Commissioner Bob Tevey invited Krynick to Thursday’s committee meeting to discuss the award. “I think it’s important for people to know what business is doing in their area.”
“We also applaud your participation in the community.” Commissioner Jimmy Colombo told Krynik.
In other businesses, Commission Chairman Blair Couch said the commission will meet with West Virginia American Water representatives at the Judge Black Annex on Monday to discuss the company’s recent purchase of a local public service district. He said he would discuss the proposal of
Contact Evan Bevins at: ebevins@newsandsentinel.com.