What is the Michigan Manufacturer of the Year award?

How are winners selected?

Each year, a panel of judges reviews the nominations to identify manufacturers  who have made significant contributions to their communities.

What will the winners receive?

Recipient of the 2013 award will join a prestigious list of Michigan manufacturers. The recipients will be presented their awards at the MMA CEO & Executive Forum before industry peers and business leaders. Awardees will also be recognized in the May/June issue of Insight magazine and throughout statewide media outlets.

Why nominate?

Nominate an industry leader, including yourself, for the John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award program and help bring attention to the positive impact manufacturers have on Michigan every day.

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.

How do I nominate?

Download the nomination form, (see sample nomination). The Awards program is easy to enter and there is no fee. Please note, nominations for the 2013 Award Program are closed.

When is the deadline?

Nominations were due 3/15/13 for the 2013 Award Program. Watch this page for 2014 Award Program information in July.

Questions?

Contact Brenda Nalett, at 800-253-9039 ext. 512 or 517-487-8512, for more information.

Past Recipients

Past Recipients of the John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award
2012	Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler Group LLC (large tier)
	Al & Beth Thieme, Amigo Mobility International (small tier)
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 Rich Schalter, Spartan Motors, Inc. and Spartan Chassis (large tier)
	Bob Roth, RoMan Manufacturing, Inc. (small tier)
2006	William C. Young, Plastipak Packaging, Inc. (large tier)
	Bruce Schafer, Rexair, Inc. (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.
1995	G. W. Haworth, Haworth, Inc.
1994	John Rock, Oldsmobile Division, General Motors Corp.
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
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