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Taurus Named “Manufacturer of the Year” by Academy of Excellence; Complete Sweep of 2002 Awards

  • Year: 2002

All three industry organizations have named Taurus International as Manufacturer of the Year, completing the triple crown by winning the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Manufacturer of the Year honors for 2002. On April 27 in Reno, Nevada, Taurus was named Manufacturer of the Year by the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence. This award marks the completion of a clean sweep of Manufacturer of the Year honors for 2002 by Taurus – an industry first. The award was presented by Shooting Industry magazine Editor Russ Thurman and Academy of Excellence Director Randy Molde to Taurus Executive Vice President and COO Bob Morrison. The Taurus triple crown for 2002 consists of the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers award given in November, the SHOT Business award presented at the 2002 SHOT Show and the Academy of Excellence crown awarded in Reno. The Academy of Excellence award is decided by the members of the academy in a secret ballot. The Academy membership consists of industry executives and journalists. This is the first time that a single manufacturer has taken all three awards in a row.

“It is a singular honor to have been recognized by our distributors, our dealers and now our peers as the best,” remarked Morrison. “Team Taurus has made great strides, and I am honored to be the messenger home with this mark of their success. I share in their humble thanks for this award.”

“On behalf of Carlos Murgel, myself and the rest of Team Taurus, I want to thank all who have supported us – whether in the marketplace or on the ballots – and recognized the efforts of so many talented and dedicated people. The fact that a broad spectrum of manufacturers – not just gunmakers – are represented here makes this award all the more significant,”

- Robert G. Morrison

The Academy recognized Taurus, “For continued commitment to excellence in manufacturing modern firearms, including Total Titanium handguns, rapid introduction of firearms chambered in the newest calibers, unwavering support of the industry and Constitutional freedoms, and its patriotic offer of free handguns to arm the nation’s airline pilots.”

Morrison also noted, “It is our commitment to excellence and innovation in firearms design and safety that has brought these awards. Not a day goes by that we are not looking for a way to improve what we do and advance safe participation in the shooting sports. I am proud beyond words of our team. I wish all of them could receive this award with me.”

In mid-November 2001, the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers presented Taurus with the honors at their annual gathering in Phoenix, AZ. The NASGW award is decided by the wholesalers and distributors who are an essential part of the Taurus family, and it is a great honor to be recognized by our customers for our efforts. The Taurus booth was a busy place at SHOT 2002.