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.
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 630,000 people and produces $102 billion in goods each year. Learn more about the award categories and meet past winners. Join us in November for the 2023 Manufacturing Excellence Awards ceremony and gala.
Join Us
The Manufacturing Excellence Awards are celebrated during a prestigious evening of celebration and recognition. Join us for the 2023 Manufacturing Excellence Awards on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.
2023 Winners and Finalists
The winners of the 2023 Manufacturing Excellence Awards for individuals and programs are:
John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Small Tier
Joseph Mooney • Integrity Fab & Machine Inc. (Breckenridge)
Manufacturing Emerging Leader
Ronald E. Hall • Bridgewater Interiors (Detroit)
Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement Award
Jon Hall • Glastender Inc. (Saginaw)
Manufacturing Talent Champion
DENSO Manufacturing Michigan Inc. (Battle Creek)
Manufacturing Woman of the Year
Sachiko Johnson • Jordan Manufacturing Company (Belding)
The following companies and products are finalists in the 2023 Manufacturing Excellence Awards:
Coolest Thing Made in Michigan
Top Three Finalists
- Aluminum Fishing Lure Molds, Angling Ai (Jackson)
- Aurora Plasma Thruster, Orbion Space Technology (Houghton)
- INFRALED PRO Motorized Exam Lights, Kirlin Lighting
(Detroit)
John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Large Tier
Top Three Finalists
- Armstrong International (Three Rivers)
- Miller Industries (Fenton)
- RoMan Manufacturing (Grand Rapids)
Manufacturing Community Impact
Top Three Finalists
- Case Systems Inc. (Midland)
- DENSO Manufacturing Michigan Inc. (Battle Creek)
- Gerdau Special Steel (Jackson)
Manufacturing Innovation Excellence
Top Three Finalists
- DC’s LEDS (Rochester Hills)
- Storch Products (Livonia)
- Wire Wizard Welding Products(Jackson)
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 630,000 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.
2023 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 Ashley Wakefield
Director of Membership, Marketing & Events
Call 517-487-8523
E-mail wakefield@mimfg.org