Three individuals and 21 companies were named finalists for the 2017 Manufacturing Awards.
The awards, given by the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, will be announced at the sixth annual “Made in New Jersey” Manufacturing Day, Oct. 6, at the Bridgewater Marriott.
Awards will be presented to Manufacturer of the Year (Small, Medium, Large and Young/Startup categories), Innovator of the Year and the Raymond Hopp Award for Excellence.
John Kennedy, CEO of the NJMEP, said the awards honor key members of New Jersey’s economy.
“The 2017 Manufacturing Awards finalists demonstrate industry leadership, innovation, growth and a commitment to development of their employees and communities,” he said.
“New Jersey manufacturers have a global reach and NJMEP looks forward to honoring those who are making an impact on our economy and the careers of our citizens during Manufacturing Day 2017.”
NJMEP is a not-for-profit company that works with New Jersey’s small to midsized manufacturers to help them become more efficient, profitable and globally competitive. Finalists for the 2017 Manufacturing Awards were based on nominations of companies that met specific criteria.
The finalists:
Manufacturer of the Year – Small (Fewer than 50 employees)
- Belleville Wire
- eMachineShop
- Alexian Pate
- W. Tremont
- Koba
- ZaGO
Manufacturer of the Year – Medium (between 51-250 employees)
- California Closets
- Demountable Concepts
- Norwalt Design
- NWL
- UNEX
Manufacturer of the Year – Large (More than 251 employees)
- Tropical Cheese Industries
- Kreisler a United Flexible Company
- GGB Bearing Technology
Manufacturer of the Year – Young/Startup (in business fewer than 5 years)
- 3DMonstr
- Jersey Girl Brewing
- Raw Generation
- Sock Gang LLC
Innovator of the Year
- Easter Seals
- Employment Horizons
- Productive Play
Raymond Hopp Award for Excellence
- Larry Taitel, Convertech Inc.
- Jim Placa, Davion Inc.
- Lew Weiss, All Metals & Forge LLC
At Manufacturing Day 2017, NJMEP will bring together manufacturers, students, supporters, legislators and industry experts in a collective effort to educate visitors about manufacturing career opportunities and improve public perceptions of manufacturing.
In addition to the awards presentation, specifically designed workshops and seminars will educate about best practices on critical topics and encourage partnerships between business and community leaders.
Peter C. Connolly, President of Shock Tech Inc. and chairman of the board at NJMEP, said the day will provide much-needed recognition for the sector.
“This is a pivotal time to rally for our industry,” he said. “You don’t have to be employed by a manufacturer to take action. Legislators, educators and community members can make a positive impact on our initiatives.”
Manufacturing Day 2017 registration is now open. To get the full agenda, including a list of breakout sessions and speakers as they are announced, go to www.njmep.org.
