SIDNEY — NK Parts Industries of Sidney is one of five employers statewide who will receive the Office of Healthy Ohio’s highest honor for healthy worksite practices.

About 78 employers around the state applied for the awards, which recognize employers that demonstrate a commitment to employee health through comprehensive worksite health promotion and wellness programs.

NK Parts, which employs nearly 500 people at locations in Sidney and East Liberty, in 2005 opened an “Associate Development Center,” which features a fully equipped fitness center, and basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts. Use of the facility is free for employees.

Employees can qualify for incentives such as travel vouchers by working out, or taking proactive measures such as eye check-ups or blood screenings.

Through a weight-loss challenge in 2009, 72 employees lost an average of 6 pounds over an eight-week period, according to the company’s award application.