Lowell manufacturer supporting Wreaths Across America

Lowell-based Central States Manufacturing Inc. will sponsor more than 1,600 wreaths to place on headstones of military veterans for Wreaths Across America.

According to a company news release, Central States is funding wreaths in 63 cemeteries across its 11-state footprint. The company’s employee-owners will take part in the wreath-laying ceremonies.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that coordinates placing more than 1.7 million sponsored veteran wreaths each December at more than 2,700 veterans’ cemeteries across all 50 U.S. states and overseas. It’s grown from a project started in 1992 by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester to lay wreaths each year on the headstones at Arlington National Cemetary.

Supporters can sponsor wreaths for $15 each. National Wreaths Across America Day this year is Saturday, Dec. 18.

“Central States Manufacturing has a culture of giving back to the community that has supported such organizations like Arkansas Childrens Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Northwest Arkansas Foodbank,” said Jose Socorro, a logistics supervisor at CSMI. “[CEO] Jim Sliker wanted to find a way to give back to veterans this year, and that opportunity was Wreaths Across America.”

Socorro said more than 500 CSMI employee-owners in 11 states will lay wreaths on Dec. 18.

Central States makes metal roofing, siding and building components such as roofing and siding. The company began production in a 15,000-square-foot plant in Arkansas in 1988.

In addition to Arkansas, there are Central States facilities in Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota and Texas (where two plants are located).