Michigan Manufacturers Association > News & Events

2017 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award winner Phil Sponsler (center) and the team from Orbitform
Part of changing the general perception of manufacturing is by celebrating the many — industry leaders, policymakers, educators and manufacturing supporters — and honoring the contributions they make to the industry.

Nominations for the 2018 MFG Excellence Awards closed on August 15 at 5:00 p.m.

Plan to attend the Awards ceremony and dinner on Thursday, November 8, in East Lansing.

John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year

Honors the important, positive and tangible contributions individual manufacturers make to their employees, customers and communities.
Large tier is open to an individual or company. Small-tier is awarded to an individual.
Presented at MFG Excellence Awards in November.
Nominations closed.
See past winners.

“Coolest Thing Made in Michigan” People’s Choice Award

Highlight the coolest product manufacturered in Michigan.
Anyone can nominate their favorite Michigan-made product. Submit a photo (including where it’s made and what it is) by sending it directly to martin@mimfg.org, posting it to our Facebook page or tagging us on Twitter or Instagram with #coolestmimfg.
Nominations closed.
Once nominations are in, a people’s choice vote (through our social media) will determine the 16 coolest products to create the 2018 Manufacturing Madness bracket! This tournament-style bracket will have Michigan-made products competing for the title of “Coolest” until popular vote narrows it down to a final winner to be honored at MFG Excellence Awards in November!

MFG Community Impact

Recognizes a manufacturing company that has shown exemplary leadership in serving its community or state, and is an example of the involved and giving nature of manufacturers.
Awarded to a company.
Presented at MFG Excellence Awards in November
Nominations closed.

MFG Emerging Leader

Awarded for exceptional contributions to the industry and the potential for future accomplishments within Michigan manufacturing [less than 10 years in industry].
Presented at MFG Excellence Awards in November
Nominations closed.

MFG Innovation Excellence

Showcases a company that not only has brought an innovative concept to market, but has developed and maintained a culture focused on engaging the workforce to bring new ideas to life.
Awarded to a company.
Presented at MFG Excellence Awards in November
Nominations closed.

MFG Lifetime Achievement

Honors an individual who has excelled in the industry and inspires their peers, emerging leaders, lawmakers and educators to strive to make significant contributions to their company, industry and community.
Presented at MFG Excellence Awards in November
Nominations closed.

MFG Talent Champion

Recognizes an individual who works to bring focus to the critical need of attracting Michigan’s next generation workforce to manufacturing’s variety of career options.
Awarded to an individual.
Presented at MFG Excellence Awards in November
Nominations closed.
See past winners.

Legislator of the Year

Recognizes state policymakers who have provided essential leadership in regard to manufacturing issues over his or her career.
Awarded to an individual.
Presented at the Legislative Reception in September.
Selection by MMA-appointed committee.
See past winners.