Best of the Best in Michigan Manufacturing Gather in Lansing to Recognize Award Recipients

LANSING (Oct. 26, 2026) — Manufacturers, industry leaders and media gathered at the Lansing headquarters of the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) to reveal and recognize the most innovative leaders and cutting-edge products of Michigan’s manufacturing sector for the 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Awards.

Established by the MMA, the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards program celebrates what makes Michigan manufacturing the best in the world. This prestigious event shines a spotlight on the individuals, organizations and products that drive our economy and improve our daily lives.

View the event highlights and watch manufacturing leaders in action as they celebrate manufacturers’ achievements.

Key leaders within Michigan’s manufacturing community remarked on contributions by the industry to Michigan’s economy, communities and society at the event.

Paul Aultman, CEO/Founder of Vantage Plastics in Standish, has been named the 2026 Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Vantage Plastics is also a finalist for both the John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Large Tier and Manufacturing Sustainability, powered by Consumers Energy, Awards, highlighting the company’s leadership in innovation, quality and continuous improvement across Michigan.

“We’re honored that Vantage Plastics has been selected to receive the Manufacturing Excellence Award from the Michigan Manufacturers Association. This recognition reflects our team’s dedication to manufacturing excellence and our mission of forming solutions, forming better lives and forming sustainable futures,” said Paul Aultman, CEO/Founder of Vantage Plastics.

Courtney Vanderhoof, Manager of Business Clean Energy Solutions, Demand Response, Renewables and Electric Vehicles at CMS Energy, emphasized the importance of sustainability in manufacturing and the role businesses play in building a more sustainable future. By embracing energy efficiency, exploring clean energy solutions and investing in sustainable practices, manufacturers can strengthen long-term business performance while supporting environmental responsibility.

Through its focus on sustainable operations and environmental stewardship, Llink Technologies in Brown City is helping advance responsible manufacturing practices and has been named a finalist for the 2026 Manufacturing Sustainability Award.

“We are honored to be named a finalist for the Manufacturing Sustainability Award and proud to see our team’s commitment to practical, innovative manufacturing recognized. This recognition reinforces our belief that sustainability and manufacturing excellence can go hand in hand to create lasting and impactful value for our customers, our industry and our communities,” said Chelsea Jensen, Business Operations Manager at Llink Technologies.

Recognized for his commitment to developing manufacturing talent and advancing workforce excellence, Matt Carr of Storch Products Co. Inc. in Livonia has been named the recipient of the 2026 Manufacturing Talent Champion Award and the company has been recognized as a finalist for the 2026 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Small Tier.

“After 30 years in manufacturing, I’ve experienced firsthand how this industry can provide a path to the American Dream for people willing to work hard, keep learning and use the gifts they’ve been given. I’m incredibly honored by this recognition, and I’m committed to helping the next generation discover the opportunities here in Michigan to create, build and make something meaningful with their talents," said Matt Carr, President of Storch Products Co Inc.

Highland Engineering in Howell has earned recognition as a finalist for the 2026 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Small Tier, highlighting its role in advancing manufacturing excellence and delivering value through strong business operations.

"Being named a finalist for the Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award is an incredible honor for Highland Engineering and our entire team. As we celebrate 40 years of designing, engineering and manufacturing in Michigan, this recognition reflects the employees who have built their careers with us and the generations of leadership who have helped transform Highland Engineering from a small automation company into a full-service manufacturer of complex, mission-critical systems for our military," said Stephanie Rife, Highland Engineering’s Vice President of Finance & Operations.

Recognized for its dedication to precision manufacturing and a commitment to quality, United CNC Machining in Auburn Hills has been named a finalist for the 2026 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Small Tier.

“It is an incredible honor to have the talent, dedication and craftsmanship of our team recognized. We’re proud to represent Michigan manufacturing and to produce critical components that support the industries and missions that strengthen our state and nation,” said Glenn Charest, CEO/Owner of United CNC Machining.
Driving progress through leadership and innovation, Clay Stephens of Synergy Molding Technologies in Clinton Twp., will receive the 2026 Manufacturing Emerging Leader Award, while the company has earned finalist recognition for the 2026 Manufacturing Innovation Award.

“I’m deeply honored and humbled to receive the 2026 Manufacturing Emerging Leader Award. This recognition reflects the countless hours our team has invested in building Synergy Molding Technologies and our commitment to reimagining what manufacturing in Michigan can be by challenging outdated processes and developing innovative technologies that move the plastics industry forward,” said Clay Stephens, CEO & Co-Founder of Synergy Molding Technologies.

Recognized for its contributions to Michigan’s manufacturing community and commitment to supporting industry growth, Centrepolis Accelerator @ LTU in Southfield has been named a finalist for the 2026 Manufacturing Community Impact Award.

“Being recognized as a finalist for the Manufacturing Community Impact Award is a tremendous honor for our entire team at Centrepolis Accelerator. It would reflect not just our work, but the resilience and innovation of the Michigan manufacturers we’re privileged to support every day,” said Dan Radomski, CEO of Centrepolis Accelerator @ LTU.

Recognized for its commitment to community engagement and making a positive impact across Michigan, Marathon Petroleum in Detroit has been named a finalist for the 2026 Manufacturing Community Impact Award.

“We are honored to be selected as a finalist for this award. The refinery is dedicated to supporting our local community through investment and volunteerism and we’re excited to continue this work for years to come,” said BreAnna Lockhart, Corporate Social Responsibility Representative for Marathon Petroleum

Building stronger communities through meaningful engagement and outreach, Nexteer Automotive — U.S. Division in Saginaw has earned recognition as a finalist for the 2026 Manufacturing Community Impact Award.

"Nexteer is honored to be named a finalist for the Manufacturing Sustainability and Community Impact awards. This recognition celebrates the passion of our employees and our ongoing commitment to building a more sustainable future while making a meaningful difference in the communities we proudly serve," said Jen Nigl, Community Engagement Manager with Nexteer Automotive.

Celebrating the leadership and contributions of women shaping the future of manufacturing, Suzanne Morrison of Hatch Stamping in Chelsea has been named the recipient of the 2026 Manufacturing Woman of the Year Award.

“I am deeply honored and genuinely humbled to be selected as Manufacturing Woman of the Year. I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for an industry I believe in so deeply, and especially for the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many talented women who are helping shape the future of manufacturing,” said Suzanne Morrison, Director of Marketing at Hatch Stamping.

Putting innovation to work to improve mobility and independence, Amigo Mobility International, Inc. in Bridgeport is among the Top Three Finalists in the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan People's Choice Contest.

“We're honored that the ValueShopper has been named one of the top three coolest things made in Michigan,” said Jordan Thieme, president of Amigo Mobility. “Amigo was founded more than 50 years ago with a simple goal: helping people maintain their mobility and independence. Seeing the ValueShopper recognized in this way is especially meaningful because it reflects the impact that mission continues to have today,” said Jordan Thieme, CEO, Amigo Mobility International, Inc.

Although unable to attend the press conference, two additional finalists shared their thoughts on being recognized among Michigan’s leading manufacturers and the importance of this year’s Manufacturing Excellence Awards.

"Being named a finalist for the Manufacturing Excellence Award is a true testament to the relentless dedication and technical ingenuity of the entire Swarm Defense team. We are honored by this recognition as we continue pushing the boundaries of advanced manufacturing to deliver mission-critical solutions," said Kyle Dorosz, CEO of Swarm Defense, finalist for the 2026 Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award.

"Being recognized as a Large Tier finalist in the Michigan Manufacturing Awards is a direct reflection of our team and the work they do every day to advance MedTech in our state. Their technical expertise, accountability, and commitment are the foundation of Exalta, and the reason we deliver consistently for our customers. Just as critical is our ongoing commitment to Michigan: we continue to invest heavily in advanced manufacturing technology, build and develop top-tier operational talent, and deepen our ties within the local community. World-class medical manufacturing requires excellence across equipment, people, and community partnerships, and this nomination validates that shared momentum," Andrew Thomas, CCO - Integrated OEM Solutions, EXALTA Group, finalist for the 2026 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Large Tier.

Learn more about the Manufacturing Excellence Awards at mimfg.org/excellence and the Coolest Thing Made in Michigan at micoolestthing.org. Contact MMA’s Delaney McKinley, at mckinley@mimfg.org or 517-303-3541, to be connected with any of the 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Awards winners and finalists and for additional storytelling opportunities.

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