The voice for Alabama businesses.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Business Council of Alabama (BCA), in partnership with the Alabama Technology Network (ATN) have announced the 2022 Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Award winners.
Winners were selected for three categories: Small, Medium, and Large Manufacturers of the Year. The Emerging Manufacturer of the Year also recognizes an upstart manufacturer who has been in business less than five years who has displayed significant growth, with the potential to breakout in the coming years.
The awards recognize those leading the way in leadership, performance, profitability, and workforce relations. Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges based on demonstration of superior performance in customer focus, employee commitment, operating excellence, continuous improvement, profitable growth, and investment in training and retraining.
Since its inception over 20 years ago, the Alabama Manufacturer of the Year Awards program has continued to recognize the state’s top manufacturers – celebrating the hard work and dedication of each employee and promoting the many exemplary accomplishments of Alabama’s best and brightest industry leaders.
“BCA is proud to support these leading manufacturers who are dedicated to keeping Alabama’s manufacturing industry the best in the nation through their hard-working employees, superior performance, and excellence in innovation,” said Executive Director, Robin Stone. “From small businesses to large industrial employers, each of the category winners and finalists have certainly set themselves apart. We are honored to partner with ATN to recognize these impressive Made-In-Alabama manufacturers.”
“Alabama’s manufacturers have a monumental impact on our economy – and it is industry leaders like these being recognized today that keep our state moving forward in growth and development. ATN is pleased to stand alongside BCA to support and recognize these top-notch manufacturers at the 23rd annual Manufacturer of the Year Awards.” stated Executive Director of ATN, Keith Phillips.
Category winners were recognized at an event at the Alabama Activity Center in Montgomery today, highlighted by remarks from the Alabama Secretary of Commerce, Greg Canfield. Secretary Canfield touched on the beneficial economic impact manufacturers have on Alabama:
“The Manufacturer of the Year award winners are the foundation of Alabama’s economic success. These incredible companies continue to move Alabama forward with their motivated workforce, innovation, and growth-minded business models. I am honored to help recognize the best in Alabama manufacturing.”
Awards were presented in three categories based on the number of employees: small with 99 or fewer employees; medium with 100-399 employees; and large with 400 or greater employees.
The award winners this year are as follows:
Established in 1978, Douglas Manufacturing has long been known as a leading manufacturer of conveyor components and engineered conveying solutions. All Conveyor Components are proudly designed and manufactured in Pell City, Alabama where they convey innovation every day. For 44 years, Douglas has codified its legacy as a leader and innovator in the conveyor industry. Douglas Manufacturing’s mission is to maintain their status as a recognized leader and continue to help customers make their conveyor operations safer and more profitable.
Alabama Secretary of Commerce, Greg Canfield, presents representatives from Douglas Manufacturing with the Small Manufacturer of the Year award.
Aker Solutions’ experienced workforce, innovative manufacturing, and commitment to solve global energy challenges makes them one of Alabama’s Manufacturers of the Year. Located in the Mobile Middle Bay Port, Aker Solutions delivers integrated solutions to the global energy industry. By enabling low-carbon oil and gas production, and developing renewable solutions to meet future energy needs, Aker Solutions is accelerating the transition to sustainable energy production.
Representatives from Aker Solutions stand with Sec. Canfield after receiving the Medium Manufacturer of the Year award.
Located in Eastaboga, AL, Bridgewater Interiors, LLC has been providing customer-focused automotive interior manufacturing services since 2004. Bridgewater Interiors, LLC upholds industry- leading standards and performance levels that fulfill the ideals of Minority Business Enterprise leadership. The company heeds the responsibility of good corporate citizenship, dedicated community involvement, and commitment to inclusion and diversity in its supplier base and employee ranks.
Sec. Canfield presents the Large Manufacturer of the Year award to representatives of Bridgewater Interiors, LLC.
Manufacturing high-quality parts since 2019, YKTA strives to uphold their values of harmony, co-creation, and fairness in all areas of their business. Located in Madison, Alabama, YKTA is a joint venture between Mazda supplier – Y-TEC; expert in design and manufacture of vehicle body parts – Keylex; and Toyota supplier – Toyotetsu.
Representatives of YKTA stand for photo with Sec. Canfield as they receive the Emerging Manufacturer of the Year award.
The 2022 Alabama Manufacturer of the Year Award finalists in alphabetical order are below:
Adventech LLC
Aker Solutions
American Metal Group
Avanti Polar Lipids
Bridgewater Interiors, LLC
Douglas Manufacturing
Ecovery, LLC
Goat Island Craft Brewing, LLC
Golden State Foods
Homtex
Johnson Labs, Inc.
McVantage Packaging, LLC
Southeastern Extrusion & Tool, Inc.
Specification Rubber Products
YKTA (YTEC Keylex Toyotetsu Alabama)
The Business Council of Alabama is Alabama’s foremost voice for business. The BCA is a non-partisan, statewide business association representing the interests and concerns of nearly 1 million working Alabamians through its member companies and its partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. The BCA is Alabama’s exclusive affiliate to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.