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SANFORD, N.C. – Mertek Solutions has been recognized as winner of the North Carolina Community College System Workforce Development Pinnacle Award for Business of the Year with under 500 employees.

The Workforce Development Pinnacle Awards recognize exemplary employers, businesses or industry groups that have demonstrated extraordinary engagement and firm commitment to the education and professional development of its employees and/or to the development of North Carolina’s workforce through its partnership efforts with one or more of the 58 community colleges in North Carolina.

Mertek Solutions is being recognized for its outstanding partnership with �ڰ������� in workforce development and advanced manufacturing. As a primary employer of Central Carolina graduates, Mertek provides work-based learning and apprenticeships through the Mertek Academy, equipping students with essential hands-on skills.

 “Thank you to �ڰ������� and their staff for this award,” said Mertek Solutions President Jerry Pedley, who serves on the �ڰ������� Board of Trustees. “We have been able to attract very good employees from �ڰ������� since 1990. It has been a relationship Mertek has benefited from. Mertek produces custom assembly and test equipment and the customized training is a perfect fit.”

Pedley’s commitment extends beyond hiring — he has donated FANUC robots and a truck to enhance the college’s training programs and has championed Manufacturing Day, now attracting 1,100+ students and 30+ industries annually. Mertek’s dedication to inclusivity ensures opportunities for veterans, individuals with disabilities, and dislocated workers, fostering economic resilience. Through strategic industry partnerships and advocacy, Mertek has played a vital role in regional economic development, solidifying North Carolina as a leader in advanced manufacturing.

“Jerry has been Trustee Pedley for about a year now, but he has been a major friend and supporter of �ڰ������� for many years,” said �ڰ������� President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman, who refers to Pedley as “Mr. Robot.” “From sharing employees to help teach our classes, providing equipment to ensure we have state-of-the-art learning opportunities for our students, and championing apprenticeships, to hiring our graduates, serving on advisory boards locally and at the state level, and ensuring National Manufacturing Day at Central Carolina is the strongest event in the state year after year, Mr. Robot does it all.”

Margaret Roberton, �ڰ������� Vice President for Workforce Development and Chief of Staff, notes, “Jerry Pedley is an amazing partner who has long been a supporter of �ڰ������� and the larger community. His donation of equipment, time, and expertise has a direct impact on the college's ability to provide relevant and high-quality training. We appreciate his passion for helping the college ensure that we have the tools needed by students entering the workforce of today and tomorrow.”

Jerry Pedley has been a member of many boards to promote community engagement and economic development, including the �ڰ������� Board of Trustees.

Mertek and Jerry Pedley will be honored at the N.C. Community Colleges Awards Dinner and Celebration on April 3 at The Umstead Hotel in Cary.