Hypertherm was named a 2008 winner of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan Associations’ Annual Award for Communications Excellence.

According to the company, judges recognized Hypertherm for the quality and quantity of its ESOP communications, as well as the level of involvement demonstrated by Hypertherm associates. They also felt Hypertherm excelled at integrating its program into company culture. Hypertherm was selected as the overall winner for companies with between 501 and 1,000 employees.

“This win is a great testament to the team we have here at Hypertherm,” said Wayne Churchill, who heads up Hypertherm’s ownership communications team. “I think I speak for all Hypertherm associates in saying we feel fortunate to have a program that enables us to share in Hypertherm’s success.”

The ESOP Association will recognize Hypertherm in its annual report, its national newsletter, and at a national conference.

Hypertherm founded its stock ownership plan in 2001. At the time, shares were valued at approximately $7 each. Today the stock is valued at $43.25 per share. Hypertherm’s international associates take part in a similar program called the Global Stock Value Plan.