What is the Michigan Manufacturer of the Year award?

Too often, people underestimate or discount the positive contributions manufacturers make to their communities. Contributions like job creation, advanced training for employees, donations to state and local philanthropies, personal involvement in schools, clubs and professional groups and investments of time and energy in the government process all mean an improved quality of life for Michigan citizens.

Consider nominating an industry leader for the John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award program this year and help bring attention to the positive impact our industry has on Michigan every day. The Awards program is easy to enter and there is no fee.

Each year, a panel of judges chooses manufacturers for recognition who have made significant contributions — like those noted — to their communities.

The recipients will be presented their awards at the MMA CEO Forum in Lansing before industry peers and business leaders. Awardees will also be recognized in the May/June issue of Insight magazine and in statewide media outlets.

Contact Amy Shaw, at 800-253-9039 ext. 513 or 517-487-8513, for more information.

Past Recipients

2011	Jason Forcier, A123 Systems (large tier)
	Jeff Metts, Dowding Industries (small tier)
2010	William Demmer, Demmer Corporation (large tier)
	Edward Walker, W Industries (small tier)
2009	Jim Zawacki, GR Spring and Stamping Company
2008	Dr. Stephanie A. Burns, Dow Corning Corporation (large tier)
	Terry Duperon, Duperon Corporation (small tier)
2007	John Sztykiel and Richard Schalter, Spartan Motors, Inc. (large tier)
	Robert Roth, RoMan Manufacturing, Inc. (small tier)
2006	William Young, Plastipak Packaging, Inc. (large tier)
	Bruce Schafer, Rexair, LLC (small tier)
2005	Philip Spender, AutoAlliance International, Inc. (large tier)
	Sten Sjoberg, Gestamp HardTech U.S., Inc. (small tier)
2004	Facundo Bravo, Uni Boring Co., Inc. (large tier)
	Jay Dunwell, Wolverine Coil Spring Co. (small tier)
2003	Randy Rudisill, Asahi THERMOFIL, Inc. (large tier)
	Frank Venegas, Jr., The Ideal Group (small tier
2002	Laurie Moncrieff, Schmald Tool & Die, Inc.
2001	Brian Larche, Engineered Machined Products, Inc
2000	David Linsdeau, Stylecraft Products, Inc.
1999	Donald W. Nugent, Graceland Fruit, Inc.
1998	Fred P. Keller, Cascade Engineering, Inc.
1997	Richard E. Dauch, American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
1996
1995	G. W. Haworth, Haworth, Inc.
1994	John Rock, Oldsmobile Division, General Motors Corporation
1993	Robert L. Hetzler, Monitor Sugar Company
1992	Denis C. Smith, Himont Advanced Materials
1991	Carlton and Michael Guthrie, Trumark, Inc.
1990	Frank Popoff, The Dow Chemical Company
1989
1988	Robert D. Tuttle, SPX Corporation
1987	Herbert S. Amster-Irwin, Magnetic Systems, Inc.
1986	Heinz Prechter, ASC, Inc.
1985	Russell Nagel, Westinghouse Furniture Systems
1984	John F. Northway, Owosso Corporation
1983	Carl G. Smith, Gerber Products Company
1982	Paul Jackson, Durametallic Corporation Thomas Russell, Federal Mogul Corporation
1981	Walter Patenge, Wohlert Corporation