Chris Holman welcomes back John J. Walsh, President & CEO, MMA, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Lansing, MI.

Watch John and Chris preview the 2024 MFG Excellence Awards, 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, remind the Michigan business community about MMA?

One of your highlights of the year is coming up this week, 2024 MFG Excellence Awards, tell us about that?

Eleven different awards are up for grabs, share a bit of the highlights from those categories?

Some winners have been named, while three categories have the winner announced tomorrow night, share a little more about: Community Impact, Innovation Excellence, and Sustainability?

What is the Coolest Thing competition?

Have any of the previous Coolest Thing winners gone on to bigger things after winning?

The MMA also shared a press release at the time of the original awardee announcement last month.

Best of the Best in Michigan Manufacturing Gather in Lansing to Recognize Award Recipients

LANSING (Oct. 10, 2024) —Manufacturers, industry leaders and media gathered at the Lansing headquarters of the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) to reveal and recognize the most innovative leaders and cutting-edge products of Michigan’s manufacturing sector for the 2024 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. Michigan’s manufacturing industry is a vital force in the state’s economy, with more than 12,000 manufacturers employing 610,000 people — nearly 15 percent of the state’s total workforce — and contributing 19.38 percent of Michigan’s total economic output.

Established by the MMA, the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards program celebrates what makes Michigan manufacturing the best in the world. This prestigious event shines a spotlight on the individuals, organizations and products that drive our economy and improve our daily lives.

View the event highlights and see manufacturing leaders in action as they celebrate Manufacturers achievements.

Key leaders within Michigan’s manufacturing community remarked on contributions by the industry to Michigan’s economy, communities and society at the event.

Nathan Cox, President of Cox Machine LLC., in Traverse City was named the 2024 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Small Tier. He emphasized the company’s commitment to both its people and the local community as critical to success and being named this year’s winner.

“At Cox Machine, we prioritize our people and our impact on the local community and in Michigan. This award reflects our commitment to a healthy work environment and social responsibility, values that drive our success alongside our technical expertise,” said Cox.

John Macchia Jr., CEO of Advance Turning and Manufacturing Inc., was recognized as the 2024 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Large Tier.

“I’m incredibly proud of our amazing team at Advance Turning, who make coming to work a rewarding experience every day. This recognition belongs to all of us, and I’m grateful to everyone for making this achievement possible,” said Macchia.

Alyssa Tracey, Director of International Trade at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), spoke of the significance of the Michigan Manufactured Export of the Year Award, which highlights Michigan manufacturers excelling on the global stage. She emphasized the importance of international trade for expanding the state’s manufacturing footprint and creating new opportunities.

Jonathan Hamilton, Director of Research and Development at Gantec in Midland and the winner of the Michigan Manufactured Export of the Year Award powered by MEDC for their Biodapt® product, spoke on Gantec’s global reach and the critical support they’ve received from various agencies in their efforts to expand.

“It is an honor to be recognized by MMA for Gantec’s work to help people and plants throughout the world by exporting its technology,” said Hamilton. “We are grateful for all the support we have received, including support from the US Commercial Service, MEDC, MDARD and SBA.”

Cassandra Thomas, Vice President of Administration & Channel Development at Midwest Enterprises for the Blind (MWEB) in Kalamazoo, underscored the importance of blind employment and the far-reaching positive impact it can have on both individuals and the community. MWEB was named as a two-time finalist for the Manufacturing Community Impact Award and the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan.

“MWEB is deeply honored to be nominated for the MMA’s 2024 Manufacturing Community Impact Award and 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan,” said Thomas. “It is MWEB’s hope to bring awareness to the importance of blind employment and the impact it can serve on an individual level, but also the enormous impact it can create within a community.”

Lynn Lyman, Marketing Manager at Trijicon, Inc. located in Wixom, spoke about the pride the Trijicon team feels in being recognized as a top three finalist for the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan powered by Endeavor IT.

“We’re humbled to be recognized as one of the Coolest Things Made in Michigan. Our commitment to quality and durability has been the driving force behind all our products, but especially the Trijicon ACOG because of its importance to U.S. military forces,” said Lyman.

David Yancho, Owner of Armor Protective Packaging in Howell and one of the three finalists for the Manufacturing Community Impact Award, spoke about his company’s values and how they prioritize relationships and community support.

“At Armor Protective Packaging®, we prioritize service and support to our community, reflecting our core value that people and relationships come first,” said Yancho. “By placing the greater good above personal gain, the team at ARMOR empowers each other to perform at our best and better serve our customers and our community.”

Bruce Miller, CFO of Fullerton Tool Company in Saginaw, spoke with pride about his company’s longstanding commitment to making a positive impact in the community. As a finalist for the Manufacturing Community Impact Award, Miller reflected on the values that have guided Fullerton Tool over its 82 years of operation.

“I am deeply honored to have Fullerton Tool, and the Fullerton TEAM get this recognition as a finalist of the Manufacturing Community Impact Award; we have been very fortunate to have operated in the Great Lakes Bay Region for 82 years,” said Miller. “Our Region has a spirit of giving back, and Fullerton has been influenced by many incredible longstanding companies in our community who have been examples of excellence to emulate. Fullerton Tool and our Fullerton Family of employees will continue to help lead our community by stepping into opportunities to foster current and future talent and worthwhile charitable initiatives.”

Kevin Kerwin, Founder and CEO of Detect-It in Oak Park, highlighted the critical role that Detect-It plays in helping Michigan manufacturers enhance product quality and reduce costly errors. Detect-It is one of three finalists for the Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award.

“Detect-It is so proud to be a 2024 Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award finalist,” said Kerwin. “Our Michigan-based team is 100 percent committed to helping our state manufacturers create better products and reduce costs and penalties associated with production errors and shipping bad parts.”

Gary Schuler, Founder and President of GTF Technologies in Ada, shared his excitement about the company’s nomination and being named a finalist for the Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award and how it validates their efforts to innovate in the upcycling of food waste into valuable materials.

“Our team at GTF Technologies is honored to be selected as a finalist of the Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award,” said Schuler. “We’re so excited about our technology to transform food waste into upcycled ingredients and other materials, and we feel this nomination validates on a broader scale the passion we have as a team. Thank you!”

Natalie King, Founder and CEO of Dunamis Charge located in Detroit, reflected on her personal journey and the significance of being a finalist of the Manufacturing Sustainability Award powered by Consumers Energy while recognizing the efforts of her team and community.

“We are truly honored to receive this recognition, which reflects not only my personal journey, but also the collective efforts of my team and the vibrant community we serve,” said King. “This Award inspires me to continue advocating for diversity and innovation in the manufacturing sector.”

Additional 2024 award winners and finalists who were not present at the 10/9/24 press conference commented on the importance of the industry and of the recognition provided by MMA:

Duane Dinninger, President of Avalon & Tahoe Manufacturing in Alma, expressed his pride in the company’s achievement of being named as a finalist for the Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award.

“We are extremely honored to be considered as one of the top three finalists for this year’s Manufacturing Innovation Award,” said Dinninger. “With all of the other innovative manufacturers in Michigan, we count it a privilege to be chosen as a top contender for the ongoing innovative products and processes that we strive for every day.”

Todd Michael Hall, President of Glastender Inc., based in Saginaw, was named a top three finalist for the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan, powered by Endeavor IT.

"We are excited and honored to be a top three finalist for the Coolest Thing Made in Michigan Award. This recognition reflects the commitment of our team to drive innovation and efficiency in the foodservice equipment industry," said Hall.

Jeffrey Scott, Plant Manager at Holcim Alpena Cement Plant in Alpena, was proud to see Holcim named as a finalist for the Manufacturing Sustainability Award powered by Consumers Energy . He emphasized the company’s dedication to leading the way in sustainable practices.

“We are honored to be a finalist for the Manufacturing Sustainability Award,” said Scott. “Holcim’s commitment to furthering sustainability is at the forefront of our work, and it is rewarding to be recognized not just as a finalist, but as a leader in manufacturing sustainability in Michigan.”

Jill Dralle, Nexteer Automotive Vice President and USA Chief Operating Officer in Saginaw and winner of the Manufacturing Woman of the Year Award expressed her deep pride in accepting the recognition, which she shares with the broader manufacturing community.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to accept the Manufacturing Woman of the Year Award,” said Dralle. “This recognition is a testament to the teamwork, innovation and perseverance in our industry. I share this award with many talented people who have supported me throughout my career and with every woman in manufacturing who continues to break barriers and inspire change. Together, we are shaping the future of manufacturing, and I am proud to be part of that journey.”

Christine Sermak, Chief Operating Officer at Total Security Solutions and winner of the Manufacturing Talent Champion Award, emphasized the importance of core values in driving success within her company and the industry as a whole.

“I am humbled by this recognition, grateful to be working in an industry and for a company aligned around the core values of continuous improvement, passion and teamwork,” said Sermak. “I am excited to continue making a difference in the world of manufacturing.”

Learn more about the Manufacturing Excellence Awards at mimfg.org/excellence and the Coolest Thing Made in Michigan at micoolestthing.org. Contact MMA’s Delaney McKinley at mckinley@mimfg.org or 517-303-3541 to be connected with any of the 2024 Manufacturing Excellence Awards winners and finalists for additional storytelling opportunities.

Shared below are the pair of videos covering MMA's press conference about awardees and nominees for the honors being handed out Wednesday evening, November 6th, 2024.

The Lansing Center and LAFCU Hosted a Ribbon-Cutting for Mamava® Lactation Pod.  

Michigan Manufacturers Association Announces Winners and Finalists of 2024 Manufacturing Excellence Awards

Opportunity to Speak Directly with Groundbreaking Manufacturing Executives

LANSING (Oct. 7, 2024) — 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 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 at MMA’s Headquarters in Lansing to announce individual winners and company and product finalists for the 2024 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 2024 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. Stay for an informal networking lunch to further engage with winners and finalists.

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 2024 Manufacturing Excellence Awards program

WHO:

• Kristin Flick, VP of Finance and Human Resources, Advance Turning and Manufacturing, Inc.
• David Yancho, Owner, Armor Protective Packaging
• Nathan Cox, President, Cox Machine, LLC
• Kevin Kerwin, Founder and CEO, Detect-It AI Software
• Natalie King, Founder and CEO, Dunamis Charge
• Bruce Miller, CFO, Fullerton Tool Company
• Ryan Lister, Business and Logistics Manager, Gantec
• Gary Schuler, Founder and President, GTF Technologies
• Cassandra Thomas, Vice President of Administration & Channel Development,
• MidWest Enterprises for the Blind
• Alyssa Tracey, Director, International Trade, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
• John Walsh, President & CEO, Michigan Manufacturers Association 

WHEN: 

11:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024

WHERE:  

MMA Headquarters

620 S. Capitol Ave 

Lansing, MI 48933

CONTACT:

Delaney McKinley 

mckinley@mimfg.org 

517-303-3541 

About MMA
The Michigan Manufacturers Association is the unifying champion of Michigan’s manufacturing industry. Since 1902, MMA has a proven track record and unwavering commitment to serve Michigan manufacturers through relentless legislative advocacy, resources to address the talent crisis, vital industry information, significant cost savings and more. As MMA members, manufacturers can tap into a professional network and resources to help grow their businesses, address challenges and create a sense of unity with other manufacturers. Visit mimfg.org for more information.

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