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.
2024 Winners
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)
Coolest Thing Made in Michigan Powered by Endeavor IT
ACOG • Trijicon Inc. (Wixom)
Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement Award
Dan Dralle • D&JD Partners (Saginaw)
Manufacturing Innovation Excellence
GTF Technologies (Ada)
Manufacturing Talent Champion
Christine Sermak • Total Security Solutions (Fowlerville)
Manufacturing Woman of the Year
Jill Dralle • Nexteer Automotive (Saginaw)
Manufacturing Community Impact
Fullerton Tool Company (Saginaw)
Export of the Year
Biodapt® • Gantec, Inc. (Midland)
Manufacturing Sustainability powered by Consumers Energy
Holcim (Alpena)
Manufacturing Emerging Leader
Charles Washburn • Landscape Forms (Kalamazoo)
2024 Event Higlights
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. Nominations for 2024 are closed and will open for 2025 next June. In the meantime, meet our past award winners.
Explore Award Categories
Celebrate manufacturing excellence by nominating a deserving individual, outstanding company or noteworthy product for the Manufacturing Excellence Awards. It’s not too early to start thinking about next year’s Manufacturing Excellence Awards — nominations open Spring 2025. Check out the award categories. Details about the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards gala will be announced in the coming weeks.
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