Pellerin Named Maglin/Biggie Award Winner

Posted August 18, 2017 at 1:06 pm

James W. Pellerin, president of Pellerin Milnor Corp., Kenner, LA, has been selected by the TRSA Associate Executive Committee for the association’s highest award for a supplier member, the Maglin/Biggie TRSA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Pellerin, longtime chief executive of the Louisiana-based laundry machinery manufacturer, will receive his award at the TRSA Annual Awards Dinner on Sept. 13 in Miami during TRSA’s Annual Conference.

The award is named for two prominent industry leaders, James Biggie of Coyne Textile Services and the Penn Cos. The Uniform and Textile Service Association (UTSA, blended with TRSA in 2008) named its supplier lifetime achievement award after Biggie. The late Rudolph A. “Rudy” Maglin, a chemical supplier with the Dober Group (now Spindle), received the first such accolade for a TRSA supplier member in 2000. After the two groups combined, the names of two supplier lifetime achievement awards were also joined.

TRSA President and CEO Joseph Ricci praised Pellerin for his many years of service to the industry and to TRSA.

“In Jim Pellerin, we have an outstanding associate member who’s contributed his skills and leadership to the association and to the industry in more ways than we can imagine,” Ricci said. “He’s led committees, chaired the Associate Member Executive Committee, served on our board and so much more. He’s also highly regarded as a leading manufacturer of laundry equipment and is focused on improving efficiency and developing innovations that keep his company on the cutting edge of technology.”

Born in New Orleans, Pellerin received a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Virginia before joining Pellerin Milnor in 1974 as a project engineer. From there, he rose through the ranks of the company, advancing to the post of general vice president in 1978. Pellerin was named president and CEO in 1983. Between 1976 and 1985, he also oversaw Pellerin Laundry Machinery Sales Co.

The U.S. Dept. of Commerce has recognized Pellerin as a leading equipment exporter with top honors through its “E” and “E Star” awards for export excellence. About 40% of the company’s total output is exported, and its machinery and spare parts are available worldwide through a global dealer network.

Over the years, Pellerin has pioneered patents for innovations as well, including Milnor’s CBW batch washer design, a centrifugal extractor with a balancing system and machinery for treating textiles.

Pellerin has long been active in professional and civic affairs, including extensive leadership contributions to TRSA. He was the first associate member to serve two terms on the TRSA board of directors (six years total). He currently serves on the Strategic Management Committee and served for 10-plus years on the Plant Operations Committee. He’s also served on the Government Affairs Committee, a Search Committee for Association Management and contributed to the writing of Textile Laundering Technology, an association publication.

Outside of TRSA, Pellerin has participated in the Young President’s Organization and the American Society of Engineers. In 1990, he received a Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Arthritis Foundation. He also serves on several outside boards, including the Hiberia Bank Board of Directors in New Orleans and the National Museum of Naval Air, Pensacola, FL.

Pellerin has held a private pilot license since 1971. He is the father of six children.

Click here to learn more about the Annual Conference and the upcoming Awards Dinner, which will honor both Pellerin and the late Ronald Croatti, the president and CEO of UniFirst, who passed away earlier this year. Croatti will be recognized posthumously as the winner of the TRSA Operator Lifetime Achievement Award. Click here and here for more information on TRSA Lifetime Achievement awards for operators and associate members.

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