Gov. Bobby Jindal presented the state’s Lantern Award to Windward, Inc., a St. Tammany-based engineering and manufacturing company.

Founded in 2000 in Slidell, Windward, Inc. is a custom engineering company that designs, develops and manufactures gearboxes, turret drives, high-pressure hydraulic and pneumatic systems and components for major projects in the defense, oilfield and other industries.

The Lantern Award, given annually to eight Louisiana companies in each of the state’s economic development regions, recognizes outstanding manufacturers for job-creation, community investment and corporate citizenship. Windward was nominated by the St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation.

“Windward Inc. is a solid corporate citizen with a long record of giving back to the community at large while at the same time, developing and manufacturing systems and components for major projects in the defense, oilfield, agriculture, road building and other industries,” EDF Executive Director Brenda Reine-Bertus wrote in her nomination letter. “I feel confident that Windward Inc. not only meets but also far exceeds all the required criteria for selection as the 2010 Louisiana Economic Development Lantern Award Winner for being undecidedly, an outstanding and compassionate homegrown Louisiana manufacturer.”

Since its founding in 2000 as a small firm operating in 1,500 square feet, the company has grown to nearly 40 employees working in 12,000 square feet and annual sales in excess of $10 million.

Windward’s clients now include Textron, Halliburton and the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Since its founding in 2000 as a small firm operating in 1,500 square feet, the company has grown to nearly 40 employees working in 12,000 square feet and annual sales in excess of $10 million. Windward’s clients now include Textron, Halliburton, and the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

Sadly, Windward founder Glenn O’Rourke passed away just a few weeks before the announcement. The award was accepted by company President Wendy Beadle and Director of Marketing Fulton J. Hicks.

The Lantern Award itself is manufactured by another St. Tammany-based business, Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year.

Previous local inners include the Abita Brewery, also nominated by the EDF.

“We’re very proud to claim Windward as a St. Tammany company,” Reine-Bertus said. “The diversity of businesses in our parish is a great boon to the community in many respects, and the record of success for our good corporate citizens - not only in business but in recognition such as the Lantern Award - speaks volumes about St. Tammany. We’re very saddened by Mr. O’Rourke’s recent passing, and know he would have been very proud of this award.”