About the Manufacturing Excellence Awards
For more than a century, the manufacturing industry has propelled Michigan forward – through good times and in challenging times. In the 21st century, our legacy champions of industry and our next generation of innovators are collaborating to drive Michigan into a future that will continue to shape our collective fortunes, our state’s economy, the communities we serve, our individual businesses, and our families’ livelihoods.
Celebrate the Legacy
The Manufacturing Excellence Awards are celebrated during a prestigious evening of celebration and recognition. Register to join us Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at The Lansing Center. The 2023 Awards ceremony sold out early — reserve your seats today!
Join the Legacy
It is MMA’s honor to recognize and promote the most innovative, game-changing, groundbreaking, cutting edge products and leaders from a Michigan industry that employs over 610,000 people and produces $102 billion in goods each year. Nominations for 2024 are closed and will open for 2025 next June.
2024 Winners and Finalists
The winners of the 2024 Manufacturing Excellence Awards for individuals and programs are:
John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Large Tier
John Macchia, Jr. • Advance Turning and Manufacturing (Jackson)
John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Small Tier
Nathan Cox • Cox Machine LLC (Traverse City)
Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement Award
Dan Dralle • D&JD Partners (Saginaw)
Manufacturing Woman of the Year
Jill Dralle • Nexteer Automotive (Saginaw)
Manufacturing Talent Champion
Christine Sermak • Total Security Solutions (Fowlerville)
Export of the Year
Biodapt® • Gantec, Inc. (Midland)
Manufacturing Emerging Leader
Charles Washburn • Landscape Forms (Kalamazoo)
Panels of judges selected the following companies as top three finalists based on the content and quality of nominations submitted by their peers:
Manufacturing Innovation Excellence
- Avalon & Tahoe Manufacturing (Alma)
- Detect-It LLC (Oak Park)
- GTF Technologies (Ada)
Manufacturing Community Impact
- Armor Protective Packaging (Howell)
- Fullerton Tool Company (Saginaw)
- MidWest Enterprises for the Blind (Kalamazoo)
Manufacturing Sustainability powered by Consumers Energy
- Dunamis Charge Inc. (Detroit)
- Gerdau Special Steel North America (Jackson)
- Holcim (Alpena)
Thousands of votes were cast by the people of Michigan in two rounds of voting to select the Top 3 finalists in the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan powered by Endeavor IT competition:
Coolest Thing Made in Michigan
- ACOG • Trijicon, Inc. (Wixom)
- CPC24 Cocktail Prep Cooler • Glastender Inc. (Saginaw)
- Skilcraft Platinum Six-Foot Bi-Fold Folding Table • MidWest Enterprises for the Blind (Kalamazoo)
Meet Past Award Winners
It is MMA’s honor to recognize and promote the most innovative, game-changing, groundbreaking, cutting edge products and leaders from a Michigan industry that employs over 610,000 people and produces $102 billion in goods each year. Meet our past winners.
Explore Award Categories
Celebrate manufacturing excellence by nominating a deserving individual, outstanding company or noteworthy product for the Manufacturing Excellence Awards. Nominations are closed for 2023 but it is not too early to start planning for 2024 — learn more about the award categories.
Sponsorship
Support manufacturing growth and innovation with sponsorship and engagement opportunities available throughout the year. Develop a comprehensive plan to build your brand, solidify your image and increase your engagement with Michigan manufacturers.
Contact to Learn More
Delaney McKinley
Executive Vice President of Operations
Call 517-487-8530
E-mail mckinley@mimfg.org
Ashley Wakefield
Director of Membership, Marketing & Events
Call 517-487-8523
E-mail wakefield@mimfg.org