MILWAUKEE – Six Wisconsin companies were awarded prestigious Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards for outstanding achievements in manufacturing. The winners were announced Thursday, February 20 at a black-tie banquet honoring the 24 nominees.
The annual Manufacturer of the Year Awards program recognizes Wisconsin companies that demonstrate a commitment to business excellence, supporting their workforce and involvement in their community. The industry itself employs nearly 500,000 Wisconsinites and contributes more than $60 billion annually to the economy.
“Manufacturing is the bedrock of Wisconsin’s economy, making up nearly 20 percent of our economic output and employing one in six workers,” said Kurt Bauer, President & CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC). “We are proud to recognize these companies for the immense impact they have on their local communities and the state.”
In its 32nd year, the Manufacturer of the Year Awards Program recognizes companies of all sizes for all they do to drive Wisconsin’s economy. Companies were evaluated in areas such as financial growth or consistency, technological advances, product development, environmental solutions and sustainability, operational excellence and continuous improvement, commitment to employees and effective research and development. Award winners were selected by an independent panel of judges.
“Manufacturing is part of Wisconsin’s heritage, but it is as important to our state’s economy today as it was over a century ago,” said David Krutz, Managing Partner at Michael Best. “This annual awards ceremony is a great celebration of the state’s top manufacturing companies, and it showcases their leadership and commitment to moving Wisconsin forward.”
Four Grand Award winners, categorized by number of employees, were recognized for impeccable performance. This year, two companies were also honored for awards in special categories, including Exceptional Customer Focus & Satisfaction and Outstanding Employee Engagement & Culture.
“This year’s program once again honors an impressive list of nominees who are at the forefront of innovation and technological advances in the manufacturing industry,” added Kevin Heppner, Managing Partner at Baker Tilly. “We’re proud to be a part of a program that honors high-performing manufacturers and the contributions they make to Wisconsin.”
The Manufacturer of the Year Awards are sponsored by the advisory firm of Baker Tilly, the law firm of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association.
Additional information can be found online at wimoty.com.
32nd Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award Winners:
Grand Awards:
Fox Valley Wood Products, Inc., Kaukauna – Small Category
Gamber Johnson LLC, Stevens Point – Medium Category
Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats, Wittenberg – Large Category
The Greenheck Group, Schofield – Mega Category
Special Award Winners:
Metal-Era, Inc., Waukesha – Exceptional Customer Focus & Satisfaction
Felss Rotaform, LLC, New Berlin – Outstanding Employee Engagement & Culture
