The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program Inc. (NJMEP) announced the finalists for the 2025 ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day Awards.
These honors recognize the outstanding contributions of manufacturers and individuals who are driving growth, innovation, and leadership in the state’s manufacturing sector.
Finalists represent a range of industries and business sizes committed to excellence in operations, workforce development, product innovation, and community impact. Winners will be announced during the ‘MADE’ in NJ Manufacturing Day celebration on Friday, Oct. 3, at the Event Center at iPlay America in Freehold, the state’s largest manufacturing networking event.
NJMEP CEO Pete Connolly addressed some of the challenges facing New Jersey manufacturers as well as the opportunities presenting themselves.
“One of the biggest challenges manufacturers in New Jersey face today are rising energy costs, uncertainty around tariffs and trade disputes, and workforce and transportation issues — especially in South Jersey,” said Connolly to ROI-NJ. “But there are also incredible opportunities. With R&D tax credits back in place, the new Next New Jersey Manufacturing Initiative providing strong incentives, and manufacturers starting to adopt real-world AI applications, the industry is well positioned for growth.”
Connolly was sanguine about the impact of new manufacturing technologies on companies and how they are shaping the future of manufacturing in New Jersey.
“Manufacturers are starting to see real ROI from AI and other innovations — whether it’s improving sales processes, streamlining production, or reducing costs in between,” he said. “With the rising expense of doing business, tools that help offset those costs are invaluable. That’s why this year’s Manufacturing Day includes breakout sessions focused on cost savings and actionable technologies. The event will always evolve alongside the industry, shaped by direct input from manufacturers themselves, to ensure it delivers real value rather than simply being an annual gathering.”
NJMEP was created to help improve the profitability and competitiveness of small to medium-sized manufacturers in New Jersey. Backed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NJMEP enables organizations to enhance their productivity and efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve employee performance.
These are the finalists for the 2025 ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day Awards:
Manufacturer of the Year – Large
- Tilcon NY
- Holt Logistics
- Legrand (Middle Atlantic)
- Hikma Pharmaceuticals
Manufacturer of the Year – Medium
- Ace Electronics Defense Systems
- Virtex
- UTRS Advanced Manufacturing LLC
- LPS Industries LLC
Manufacturer of the Year – Small
- Modern Line Furniture Inc.
- Web-Cote Industries
- Old Hickory BBQ
- Lobster Life Systems Inc.
- Triad RF Systems Inc.
- GP Precision Inc.
Life Science Leader Award
- Geared Power
- Hikma Pharmaceuticals
- Case Medical Inc.
- Jewel Precision
Innovator of the Year
- Bestwork Industries for the Blind
- Krell Technologies
- Triad RF Systems Inc.
- Zarbeco LLC
Rising Stars
- Jackie Luciano – Zago Manufacturing
- Cari August – Lightera
- Colleen Shea – Pen Company America
- Yana Katliarova – Modern Line Furniture Inc.
- Melissa Graziano – Jewel Precision
