A Castle Hayne-based company has received a state award as a manufacturing leader.

Mirimichi Green received the 2017 N.C Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) Leadership Award in Sustainable Manufacturing at the 2017 NCMEP manufacturing conference, according to a news release. 

Mirimichi Green was formed in 2011 near Wilmington to manufacture, sell and distribute an entire product line of sustainable soil and turf enhancers and weed and plant control products. Its products are designed to offer a bridge to more responsible landscaping methods, and to help consumers set reasonable goals for their own sustainable practices, officials said in the release.

Manufacturers from across North Carolina met at the conference in Winston-Salem on Sept. 20, to share best practices, practical advice and helpful tips "for creating a safer, more efficient and more profitable manufacturing sector," officials said in the release.

NCMEP recognizes leadership in the areas of workforce development, continuous improvement, sustainability and other areas through a number of awards that are given during the annual manufacturing conference. Gov. Roy Cooper was a keynote speaker at this year's event.

The state awards program recognizes manufacturers for their commitment to the North Carolina manufacturing sector, as proven by outstanding performance, according to NCMEP.

“When one thinks of “sustainability,” golf courses are not the first thing that comes to mind. But when Memphis’ Mirimichi golf course was redesigned in 2009, its new owner was determined to make it both public and green; the course was redesigned to feature native landscapes and offer wildlife habitat connectivity and environmental education. It was also the first golf course to receive Audubon Classic Sanctuary Certification," NCMEP officials said in the release.

NCMEP is a group of partners that provides manufacturing services that enhance the productivity, innovative capacity and technological performance of NC-based manufacturing firms.

Mirimichi Green was later formed after the success of the course. Russ Britton, owner and CEO, and Web Cowden, COO of Mirimichi Green accepted the NCMEP Leadership Award on the company’s behalf.