The Business Council of Alabama, in collaboration with the Alabama Technology Network, have announced the 2022 Manufacturer of the Year awardees.
For more than two decades, the Alabama Manufacturer of the Year Awards program has honored the Yellowhammer State’s top manufacturers.
The award recipients were recognized in a ceremony Friday at the Alabama Activity Center in Montgomery, which was headlined by Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield.
“The Manufacturer of the Year award winners are the foundation of Alabama’s economic success,” said Canfield. “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.”
BCA Executive Director Robin Stone said the 2022 awardees had demonstrated their commitment to ensuring Alabama’s manufacturing industry remains “the best in the nation.”
“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 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.”
ATN Executive Director Keith Phillips said the awards, which have recognized excellent companies for more than two decades, honor the best of Alabama’s manufacturing industry.
“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,” said Phillips. “ATN is pleased to stand alongside BCA to support and recognize these top-notch manufacturers at the 23rd annual Manufacturer of the Year Awards.”
According to BCA, winners are selected for three categories: small with 99 or fewer employees; medium with 100-399 employees; and large with 400 or greater employees.
The Emerging Manufacturer of the Year also recognizes an upstart manufacturer that has been in operation less than five years, and has displayed significant growth, with the potential for future expansion.
A company’s leadership, performance, profitability and workforce relations are considered in the selection process. An independent panel of judges select award winners based on superior performance in customer focus, employee commitment, operating excellence, continuous improvement, profitable growth, and investment in training and retraining.
2022 award winners, as described by BCA:
Small Manufacturer of the Year: Douglas Manufacturing
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.
Medium Manufacturer of the Year: Aker Solutions
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.
Large Manufacturer of the Year: Bridgewater Interiors, LLC
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.
Emerging Manufacturer of the Year: YKTA (Y-TEC Keylex Toyotetsu Alabama, Inc.)
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.
2022 Alabama Manufacturer of the Year Award finalists in alphabetical order:
- 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)
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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