This article appeared in the May/June 2022 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

Manufacturing isn’t just what we do here in Michigan – it’s who we are. It’s our honor to recognize these champions of manufacturing at the 2022 MFG Excellence Awards. Presented every fall, this one-of-a-kind event recognizes what makes Michigan manufacturing the best in the world! This prestigious evening of celebration and recognition shines a light on the individuals and organizations creating the products that shape our economy and improve our daily lives.

Award Categories

John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year
Honors the important, positive and tangible contributions individual manufacturers make to their employees, customers and communities.

MFG Woman of the Year
Honors the roles women play in manufacturing, her significant achievements in the industry and positive impact within her company and community.

MFG Emerging Leader
Awarded to an individual with fewer than 10 years in the industry for exceptional contributions to the industry and the potential for future accomplishments within Michigan manufacturing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Coolest Thing Made in Michigan Award
The Coolest Thing Made in Michigan Award honors the products made by the manufacturers of our great state. Michigan’s coolest products were made by problem solvers, trailblazers and innovators that see opportunity and take the risks necessary to create great products. The difficulty will be in choosing only one winner.

Nominations Open This Summer

Anyone may nominate an individual or company within Michigan’s manufacturing industry. Nominations will open online on 6/14/22 and run through 8/19/22.