SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has recognized Chem Processing, an industrial plating and coating operation located in Rockford, for achieving Safety and Health Achievement and Recognition (SHARP) status. SHARP is one of the highest awards given to companies nationwide in the safety and health arena. There are currently only 28 SHARP companies in the state of Illinois. 

DCEO's Onsite Safety and Health Consultation Program and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will present Chem Processing with the award on January 12 at the company’s facility, located at 3910 Linden Oaks in Rockford.

Chem Processing employs 75 people in the Rockford area.  The SHARP certification allows employers to showcase their excellence and to be recognized for their achievement. The SHARP award also allows companies to be exempt from routine OSHA inspections for a period of two years because of their exemplary injury and illness rates.