Now in its 35^th year, the Award program recognizes manufacturers for their dedication to community service, issue advocacy and their role as a symbol of the positive work being done by the manufacturing industry.

The 2016 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award recipients are:

• Large Tier Manufacturer of the Year: James W. Shoemaker Jr., President of Morbark (Winn)
• Small Tier Manufacturer of the Year: Ronald E. Geisman, President of Lomar Machine and Tool Company (Horton)
• Special Achievement Award for Dedication to Community Progress: Emanuel Z. Manos, President of the Detroit Salt Company (Detroit)

James W. Shoemaker Jr. is being recognized as the 2016 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year (Large Tier) Award recipient, presented to a company with 200 or more employees, for his tireless effort to do the most he can for Michigan’s manufacturing industry. While the president of Morbark LLC may not have discovered the secret to adding more hours in the day, he continues to put every second to good use. He is a founder of one of Michigan’s most respected regional industry associations, an advocate for promoting a positive image of manufacturing careers and a voice on top economic issues impacting businesses across the state.

Ronald E. Geisman is being honored as the 2016 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year (Small Tier) Award recipient, awarded to a company with fewer than 200 employees, for his hard work and constant demand for improvement. From pushing a broom to taking over as president of Horton-based Lomar Machine and Tool Company, Geisman takes pride in manufacturing and works tirelessly to pass that excitement on to the next generation.

Emanuel Z. Manos is being recognized with a Special Achievement Award for Dedication to Community Progress for his efforts to help others discover the real Michigan. EZ, as he is known, is the reason Michigan has one of the few, incredibly successful urban mines in the nation. Under his direction, Detroit Salt Company is a leader in job creation, community safety partnerships, business associations, environmental stewardship and workplace safety.

The John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award recipients were honored at the 2016 Manufacturing Forum on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at at the Cobo Center in Detroit. The Forum was attended by manufacturing executives, top issue experts and leaders from across Michigan.