Linamar Forgings Carolina Inc. was honored Monday evening with a special award that recognizes those who make significant contributions to public education in Wilson County.

The Wilson Education Partnership recognized the company with the Jim and Carolyn Hunt Friends of Education Award during a reception at the Wilson Chamber of Commerce. The WEP established the award in 2014 to show appreciation for those who are making a difference in students’ lives. It’s the nonprofit’s highest honor, awarded to recipients who exemplify the Hunts’ vision to provide the best schools possible for students and teachers and to build partnerships that make a positive difference.

“We are so very thankful for the continued support and partnership with Linamar,” said Robin Williams, WEP executive director. “Since 1997, they have worked with us to provide student and teacher opportunities. They have not only supported us financially, but volunteered hours and hours of time to our programs. We are so honored to recognize their efforts with this award.”

Former Gov. Jim Hunt and his wife, Carolyn, were part of Tuesday’s ceremony. Jim Hunt presented the award to Linamar.

Mike Russell, vice president of global procurement and acting general manager at Linamar’s Wilson facility, said it’s vital for the company to be connected to the community, not only in Wilson but also around the world.

“We’re really ingrained in the communities,” Russell said. “We invest in education. We invest in hospitals and support community.”

Russell said the company is in a position to grow.

“We can bring as much business to this community as you want, but we need young people,” he said. “We need to harness some folks who want to get into the technical side of manufacturing. We will do anything we can do to promote that. We are committed to helping however we can.”

WEP President Rob Ferrell said it’s important to have those in the community who support education, including industry leaders.

“Community partnerships is what it’s all about,” Ferrell said.