Chris Holman welcomes back John J. Walsh, President & CEO, MMA, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Lansing, MI.
Watch John and Chris preview the 2025 MFG Excellence Awards, and pre event press conference, highlighting categories, past winners, and innovations, in the YouTube video shared below:
Chris had several things he wanted to find out during this conversation:
Welcome back John, breifly remind the listeners about MMA?
How do the Manufacturing Excellence Awards strengthen Michigan’s manufacturing ecosystem and foster collaboration among industry leaders statewide?
With new categories like the Sustainability Award, how is MMA recognizing companies driving both profitability and environmental responsibility?
What economic or workforce trends stand out among this year’s award finalists, and what do they reveal about the future of Michigan manufacturing?
How does public engagement in the “Coolest Thing Made in Michigan” competition help promote brand visibility and pride for local manufacturers?
In what ways is the MMA adapting its support and advocacy to help Michigan’s 12,000+ manufacturers stay globally competitive in 2025 and beyond?
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Michigan Manufacturers Association Announces Winners and Finalists of 2025
Manufacturing Excellence Awards Opportunity to Speak Directly with Groundbreaking Manufacturing Executives
LANSING (Oct. 16, 2025) — The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) each year shines a light on the individuals, organizations and products that drive Michigan’s economy and improve our daily lives. MMA’s Manufacturing Excellence Awards is a one-of-a-kind program that recognizes what makes Michigan manufacturing the best in the world.
MMA is hosting a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at MMA’s Headquarters in Lansing to announce individual winners and company and product finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards.
During the press conference, members of the media will get a chance to speak directly with nearly a dozen manufacturing executives who are recipients of the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards.
To view a full list of finalists and winners, please visit mimfg.org/excellence.
Members of the media are invited to attend the press conference to capture interviews and B-roll. Please RSVP to Delaney McKinley at mckinley@mimfg.org or 517-303-3541.
WHAT: A press conference hosted by the Michigan Manufacturers Association that will celebrate and announce winners and finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards program
WHO:
- Zack Bishop, President, 4 Flutes Machining
- George Cook, Vice President, TARUS
- Brian Cooper, President, Wire Wizard Welding Products
- Bill Dobbins, President, Caster Concepts
- Ryan Gingery, President, Armor Protective Packaging
- Nate Holstege, Owner, Preferred Machine, LLC
- Chelsea Jensen, Business Operations Manager, Llink Tech
- Inez Kaleto, CEO, Robinson Industries
- Bill Kerfin, President, Amsted Automotive
- Tyler Kring, Community Relations Manager, Michigan Sugar Company
- Steven London, President and COO, Bekum America
- Jim Miller, Director of Government and Legislative Affairs, Nexteer Automotive
- Olivia Ostrander, Parts Sales Specialist, Powell
- Paul Patrash, CEO, Elite Mold & Engineering, Inc
- Alyssa Tracey, Director of International Trade, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
- John Walsh, President & CEO, Michigan Manufacturers Association
WHEN:
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025
WHERE:
MMA Headquarters
620 S. Capitol Ave
Lansing, MI 48933
