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2005 Innovator of the Year – Fox Ledge, Inc.
Since beginning operations in 1994, the company has grown to a workforce of 70 that bottles spring and distilled water under many private labels for delivery from Maine to Washington, D.C.
 Technology, innovation, creativity all have a place in the story of this thriving bottled water company, and have led to Fox Ledge’s selection as Innovator of the Year. Fox Ledge captures water that bubbles up from a clear, natural spring tucked in the hills of northern Wayne County, filters and purifies it, and then bottles it for consumers in an expanding northeast market.
Since beginning operations in 1994, the company has grown to a workforce of 70 that bottles both spring and distilled water under many private labels for delivery from Maine to Washington, D.C.
Technology has helped reduce some of the intensive labor that was done when Fox Ledge first began—when they bottled water by hand. The process is automated today, with long conveyors bringing bottles to and from a whirling carousel that issues the clear liquid from stainless steel valves. Technology is also used to reduce cost and preserve the integrity of the product. Blow molders transform pellets of resin into the pale gallon jugs so prominent on grocers’ shelves. By performing this process in-house, the company reduces the cost and damage that occurs with shipping empty containers.
High technology ensures that the water is safe for consumers. Water flows through a series of filters to remove particulates and purity is maintained through the use of ultra-violet light. Finally the water goes through an ozone chamber, which essentially purifies the water in the same manner as chlorine, without the residual taste or odor.
Fox Ledge water quality must meet standards that are set internally as well as externally. Testing is performed on a daily basis by Fox Ledge and a separate private enterprise. Fox Ledge also maintains an in-house quality control laboratory, where testing extends beyond water to include bottles, caps and labels.
C.E.O. Alfred A. Alessi, Jr. attributes the success of Fox Ledge to its quality of water and business strategy, which he says is straightforward and direct. “If we say we can deliver a product, we do. We will also tell a potential customer if we cannot.”
Today, Fox Ledge water is transported to dairies, local distributors, large food warehouses, and local establishments. Source: 2005 Innovator of the Year Program |
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