Four Alabama companies have received 2026 Manufacturer of the Year honors, recognizing manufacturers across the state for performance, innovation and workforce development.
The Business Council of Alabama, Alabama Training Network and Manufacture Alabama announced the winners during the 27th annual Manufacturer of the Year Awards luncheon held last week in Montgomery.
The event also marked the beginning of National Manufacturing Month.
Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges based on factors including customer focus, employee commitment, operational excellence, continuous improvement, growth and investment in workforce training.
Awards are divided into small, medium and large manufacturer categories based on employment, along with an emerging category for companies that have operated for 10 years or less.
Small Manufacturer of the Year: JIT Industries
Founded in Hartselle in 2001, JIT Industries has grown into a full-service fluid power company serving heavy industrial customers in the United States and abroad. The company now operates seven locations across the Southeast.
Medium Manufacturer of the Year: Evonik Corporation
Evonik maintains a significant Alabama presence through its Mobile-area manufacturing campus and Birmingham laboratory. Its operations support pharmaceutical, biotechnology and health care production, including advanced drug-delivery systems, bioabsorbable polymers and lipid nanoparticles used in mRNA technology.
Large Manufacturer of the Year: AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company
Founded in Birmingham in 1905, AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company manufactures products for waterworks, energy and industrial markets. Its products include fire hydrants, valves, ductile iron pipe and steel pipe used in energy and carbon-capture applications.
Emerging Manufacturer of the Year: Kaishan Compressor USA
Loxley-based Kaishan Compressor USA manufactures rotary screw air compressors at a 130,000-square-foot Baldwin County facility. The company produces compressors ranging from 5 to 600 horsepower using a build-to-order manufacturing model.
The remaining 2026 Manufacturer of the Year finalists were:
- Small: Armand Products Company, IMS, Inc. and Perfection Chain Products
- Medium: Cast Products, Inc., Hexcel Corporation, Jasper Lumber Company LLC and Webb Wheel Products, Inc.
- Large: Dorsey Trailer LLC, Southwire, Topre America Corporation and The Westervelt Company
The Manufacturer of the Year Awards have recognized Alabama manufacturers for 27 years and are designed to highlight companies demonstrating strong performance in operations, workforce development and growth.
Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
