Eight Wisconsin Companies Receive Manufacturer of the Year Awards

Eight Wisconsin companies received 2012 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards for outstanding achievements in manufacturing. The winning companies were announced on Thursday at a black-tie awards dinner and program at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.

The statewide recognition program is co-sponsored by Baker Tilly, one of America's largest accounting and advisory firms; Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, a preeminent Midwest-based law firm; and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's largest business association.

Fifty-eight Wisconsin businesses were nominated for the 2012 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards for manufacturing excellence. Companies were evaluated in areas such as financial growth or consistency, technological advances, product development, environmental solutions and sustainability, operational excellence/continuous improvement, commitment to employees and effective research and development.

Four Grand Award winners, categorized by number of employees, were recognized for superior performance across the nomination form categories. This was the first year that a Workforce Development Grand Award was presented to a manufacturer that demonstrated a commitment to and successfully implemented innovative training and education programs which encourage individuals to pursue a career in the manufacturing industry and/or enhance an individual’s manufacturing skills. Special Awards were presented to three companies for achieving excellence in a particular area. The Special Award categories were determined by the judges based on information provided in the nomination forms.

2012 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award Winners

Grand Awards

Power Test, Inc., Waukesha - Grand Award, small company category

Weldall Mfg., Inc., Waukesha - Grand Award, medium company category

Walker Forge, Inc., Clintonville - Grand Award, large company category

Greenheck Fan Corporation, Schofield - Grand Award, mega company category

OEM Fabricators, Inc., Woodville - Grand Award, workforce development category

Special Awards

Alliance Laundry Systems, LLC, Ripon - Special Award, "Market Leadership"

Nekoosa Coated Products, LLC, Nekoosa - Special Award, "Operational Excellence"

HUSCO Automotive Holdings, Inc., Whitewater - Special Award, "Technology Innovation and Impact"

Photos and videos can be found online in the coming days.

This renowned statewide program is an opportunity to salute the state's top manufacturers for their accomplishments and recognize them for creating a better quality of life for the citizens of our state.

The award program recognizes outstanding manufacturers from across the state of Wisconsin. Since 1988, the award program has presented more than 250 awards. A list of those winners, as well as information, tips, and the 2012 nominees are all available at www.wimoty.com.