State Manufacturing
Leadership Awards
The State Manufacturing Leadership Awards, presented annually by NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES) and the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP), recognize North Carolina manufacturers that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation and business excellence. These prestigious awards celebrate organizations that are strengthening the state’s manufacturing economy through achievements in operational excellence, workforce development, sustainability, continuous improvement, innovation, market growth and community impact.
Each award category recognizes a distinct area of manufacturing excellence, celebrating organizations and individuals whose leadership, innovation and commitment are advancing manufacturing across North Carolina.
Nominations are OPEN for the State Manufacturing Leadership Awards!
NOMINATIONS DUE: FEBRUARY 15, 2027
Manufacturers are encouraged to self-nominate.
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The Business and Market Expansion award is decided by the economic impact of the manufacturer on its community, such as the overall economic impact, an increase in the overall tax base, entry into new markets, the creation of new jobs, or criteria relevant to the community goals. The award is presented to a manufacturing facility in North Carolina with 500 or fewer employees demonstrating excellence in business and market expansion. This award recognizes effective, innovative expansion programs or initiatives which have been established for a minimum of two years in North Carolina.
The Innovation and Continuous Improvement Award is presented to the organization that successfully challenges the status quo. It honors those who implement cutting-edge technologies, streamline production workflows, and foster a culture of continuous daily improvement to enhance their operational efficiency and product quality. Reviewers will be looking for evidence of originality and modernization of systems and use of methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen that show efficiency, effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the process. Reviewers will seek evidence that the manufacturer demonstrates a culture of innovation to support emerging technologies and trends and that the company achieved results in specific areas of innovation, such as the commercialization of new products. This award recognizes effective, innovative and continuous improvement programs or initiatives which have been established for a minimum of two years in North Carolina.
The Advanced Talent Management/Workforce Development Award will be presented to the manufacturer that has demonstrated excellence in workforce development, through employee retention, recruitment and training. We will look for evidence of the use of educational workforce development opportunities and secondary or post-secondary education from community colleges, universities, or workforce boards to support the development of a pipeline of skilled and qualified new and existing employees. The award is presented to a manufacturing facility in North Carolina with 500 or fewer employees demonstrating excellence in workforce development. This award recognizes effective, innovative expansion programs or initiatives which have been established for a minimum of two years in North Carolina.
The Sustainable Manufacturing Award criteria is based on outstanding sustainable practices, measurable environmental or energy savings related to production processes, product design, or product life cycle. The award is presented to a manufacturing facility in North Carolina with 500 or fewer employees demonstrating excellence in sustainable manufacturing. This award recognizes effective, innovative expansion programs or initiatives which have been established for a minimum of two years in North Carolina.
The Community Outreach Award is presented to the manufacturer that has impacted communities in North Carolina. Selection is based on efforts in community engagement and the measurable impact of those efforts. The award is presented to a manufacturing facility in North Carolina with 500 or fewer employees demonstrating excellence in community outreach. This award recognizes effective, innovative expansion programs or initiatives which have been established for a minimum of two years in North Carolina.
The Excellence in Manufacturing Award winner honors the manufacturer that demonstrates exemplary practices across all areas of manufacturing – workforce development, sustainability, innovation, emerging markets/economic development and continuous improvement. The award is presented to a manufacturing facility in North Carolina with 500 or fewer employees demonstrating overall excellence in manufacturing. This award recognizes effective, innovative expansion programs or initiatives which have been established for a minimum of two years in North Carolina. This award recognizes a manufacturer who has demonstrated leadership in all categories (workforce development, sustainability, innovation, emerging markets/economic development and continuous improvement).
The Safety and Health Excellence in Manufacturing Award recognizes a North Carolina manufacturer that has demonstrated leadership and sustained excellence in workplace safety and health through a strong safety culture, employee engagement, effective training, proactive risk management, innovation, and continuous improvement. Eligible manufacturers must demonstrate a sustained commitment to workplace safety and health, supported by at least two years of measurable performance and continuous improvement.
The State Manufacturing Leadership Awards have recognized outstanding manufacturers and industry leaders from across North Carolina for their exceptional achievements. Explore previous award recipients and see how their success is driving innovation, growth and excellence throughout the state’s manufacturing sector.
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Manufacturing Excellence
L-R: Phil Mintz, NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES); John Johnson, Moog Inc.; KeAnne Hoeg, North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) / NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES): Richard Daley, Moog Inc.
Sustainable
Manufacturing
L-R: Phil Mintz, NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES); Kim Ward, Kempower; Rachel Raineri, Wilson College of Textiles; Henri Parker, Kempower
Workforce
Development
L-R: Phil Mintz, NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES); Chris Koontz, NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES); Shawn Smith, Poppies Bakeries; Jesus Rocha Poppies Bakeries; Sanja Bass, Poppies Bakeries; Jose Luis Ramirez, Poppies Bakeries; Lori Benn, NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES); Rhonda Perry, Poppies Bakeries
Innovative
Practice
L-R: Phil Mintz, NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES); Hunter Smith, Clayton Richfield; Lauren Navarro, Wilson College of Textiles; Matthew Simpson, Clayton Richfield
Developing
Markets
L-R: Phil Mintz, NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES); Cheryl Mauro, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC); Greg Vance, Huvepharma – Laurinburg
Continuous
Improvement
L-R: Phil Mintz, NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES); Tom McHouell, Polymers Center; Ashley Carriker, Queen City Engineering & Design
Community
Outreach
L-R: Phil Mintz, NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES); Chanda Best, Seegars Fence Company of Goldsboro; Kathy Alexander, Manufacturing Solutions Center; Brad Wells, Seegars Fence Company of Goldsboro
Manufacturing Excellence
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Patricia Anderson, Executive Director, Industry Services, Central Carolina Community College; Crystal Gaddy, Business Retention & Expansion Director, Sanford Area Growth Alliance; Anna Mangum, Regional Manager, South Central Region; Tyler Wilkes, Quality Manager; Saurabh Akulwar, R&D Manager
Sustainable
Manufacturing
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Tom McHouell, President, The Polymers Center; Tomorrow Betts, Human Resources Manager; Kuman Ketchumanan, Quality Manager
Workforce
Development
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Lauren Dudley, Regional Director of Customized Training-Northeast Region, North Carolina Community College System; Courtney Silver, President
Innovative
Practice
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Kathy Alexander, Compliance Officer, Manufacturing Solutions Center; Michael Ratigan, CEO
Developing
Markets
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Walter Galarowicz, Supply Chain Analyst; Joyce Spivey, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina NC MEP Program Manager; Geoffrey Foster, CEO/President; Will Sanders, Systems Engineer
Continuous
Improvement
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Bailey Smith, Extension Coordinator (Zeis Textiles Extension), NC State Wilson College of Textiles; Tyler Graves, Director of Operations; Clifton Dial, Operations Manager
Community
Outreach
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Melissa McGurk, International Trade Manager, EDPNC; Julie Detmering, Export Compliance Manager; Diane Jacober, Technical Marketing Manager
Manufacturing Excellence
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Rick Shew, Associate Dean, Business and Career Services, Caldwell CCC&T; Tracy Gray, Plant Manager; Ryan Biddix, Continuous Improvement Manager
Sustainable
Manufacturing
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Kathy Alexander, Compliance Officer, MSC; Gesche Morley, Co-owner; Eric Morley, Founder
Workforce
Development
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Lauren Dudley, Regional Director, NCEdge; David Storey, CEO; Jay Simmons, Apprenticeship Program Manager
Innovative
Practice
L-R: Scott Daugherty, SVP, Chief Operating Officer; Joyce Spivey, Program Manager, North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; David Allsopp, Engineering Manager; Tomeka Downey, Assistant Production Manager; Katherine Reid, HR Manager; Tedi-Marie Usher-Ditzian, Senior Process Development Engineer; Travis Jones, Product and Applications Development Laboratory Manager; Jordan McDevitt, Senior Quality Engineer
Developing
Markets
L-R: Wendy Laing, Assistant Executive Director, IES Professional Learning, EHS Systems, and the Minerals Research Laboratory; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Jimmy Mitchell, VP of Operations; Joachim Ley, COO
Continuous
Improvement
L-R: Philip Shoemaker, Director, The Polymer Center; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Craig Tix, Vice President, Manufacturing; Stephen Bullock, President
Community
Outreach
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Kami Baggett, Reginal Manager, Triad Region; Davide Varze, President; Christopher Drake; Thomas Mitchell; Scott Bryant, Process Engineer; Daniel Vigil, General Manager; Markus Rusznyak, Plant Manager
Manufacturing Excellence
L-R: Brandon Frederick, Core Technology Engineering Manager; Kami Baggett, Industry Extension Services Regional Manager; Kaleb Durham, Core Technology Project Engineer
Sustainable
Manufacturing
L-R: Phil Shoemaker, Polymers Center Director; Jonathan Mustich, Co-Founder Terraloam; Melissa McGurk, EDPNC International Trade Manager
Workforce
Development
L-R: Michael Mullins, Industry Extension Services Defense Industry Initiatives Director; Lauren Dudley, NC Community College System Regional Director of Customized Training – Northeast; John Oswald, President/CEO Mills Manufacturing
Innovative
Practice
L-R: Audrey Brown, Firstwave Innovations Business Development Manager; Tyler Brown, Firstwave Innovations Vice President of Manufacturing; Michael Druga, Firstwave Innovations President / CEO
Economic Development
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Joyce Spivey, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina NC MEP Program Manager; Melissa Kozar, Hammond Enterprises CEO, Norbert Kozar, Precision Swiss Products CEO
Manufacturing Excellence
L-R: Will Webb, #C Store Fixtures Industrial Engineer / ISO Management Representative; Grace Robbins, 3C Store Fixtures New Business Development
Sustainable
Manufacturing
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Chris Bevin, Nester Hosiery Senior Vice President
Workforce
Development
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Clifton Dial, VBC Manufacturing Training Manager; Donovan Sanderson, VBC Manufacturing Production Training Coordinator
Innovative
Practice
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Ashley Carriker, Queen City Engineering CFO / Office Manager; Rex Carriker, Queen City Engineering President; Adrianne Kroll, Industry Extension Services Assistant Director of Quality
Economic Development
L-R: Don Huneycutt, NC Community College System Regional Director; Pat Queen, STI Fabrics President of Human Resources; Sandra Jenkins, STI Fabrics Human Resources Manager; STI Fabrics Representative
Manufacturing Excellence
L-R: Kenny Flowers, NC Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Rick Coffey, McCreary Modern President; Doug Yoder, McCreary Modern CFO
Sustainable
Manufacturing
L-R: Kenny Flowers, NC Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary; Chris Brown, Enviva Community Relations Manager; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Workforce
Development
L-R: Kenny Flowers, NC Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Chuck Jarrell, 3M Plant Engineering Manager; Garry Krontz, 3M SIC Maintenance Leader
Innovative
Practice
L-R: Kenny Flowers, NC Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary; Bill Murphy, Alotech President; Tommy Kirk, Alotech COO; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Continuous
Improvement
L-R: Kenny Flowers, NC Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary; Elizabeth Jennings, Equilibar Marketing; Jeff Jennings, Equilibar Founder / President; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Economic Development
L-R: Kenny Flowers, NC Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Bryan Peterson, Altec-Industries Human Resources Manager
Manufacturing Excellence
L-R: KeAnne Hoeg, Industry Extension Services Data Management Systems, Supplier Matching and Reporting Director; Tony Copeland, NC Department of Commerce Secretary; Tracy Canipe, 80 Acres Farm Chief of Engineering and Design; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Sustainable
Manufacturing
L-R: Malinda Pagett, Project Manager, NC A&T State University, Hyster Yale Representative; Tony Copeland, NC Department of Commerce Secretary; Jesse Wigent, Global Program Manager; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Workforce
Development
L-R: Lauren Dudley of NCCCS; Tony Copeland, NC Department of Commerce Secretary; Kenneth Harwood, Carolina Precision Technologies Production Manager; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Innovative
Practice
L-R: Dan St. Louis, Director The Manufacturing Solutions Center; Stephen Hudson, Meridian Senior VP, Sales and Marketing; Tony Copeland, NC Department of Commerce Secretary; Debbie Sigmon, Meridian VP of HR and Safety; Tim Manson, Meridian President; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Continuous
Improvement
L-R: KeAnne Hoeg, Industry Extension Services Data Management Systems, Supplier Matching and Reporting Director; Gerald Radziewicz, Jr., American Woodmark Process Engineer; Tony Copeland, NC Department of Commerce Secretary; Bob Young, American Woodmark Director of Operations; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Economic Development
L-R: Jerry ‘Twig’ Wood III, President Brookwood Farms; Tony Copeland, NC Department of Commerce Secretary; Craig Wood, VP Brookwood Farms; Harry Swendsen, EDPNC; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Manufacturing Excellence
L-R: Eaton Corporation Representatives; North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper; Eaton Corporation Representative; John Loyack, EDPNC, VP, Global Business Services; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Sustainable
Manufacturing
L-R: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper; Mirimichi Green Representative; John Loyack, EDPNC, VP, Global Business Services; Mirimichi Green Representative; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Workforce
Development
L-R: Fairystone Fabrics Inc. Representative; North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper; Fairystone Fabrics Inc. Representative; John Loyack, EDPNC, VP, Global Business Services; Fairystone Fabrics Inc. Representatives; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Innovative
Practice
L-R: Calvin Smith, Core Technology Molding Engineer; Brandon Fredrick, Core Technology Molding Engineer; North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper; Geoff Foster, Core MTechnology Molding CEO; John Loyack, EDPNC, VP, Global Business Services; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Continuous
Improvement
L-R: Aplix, Inc. Representative; North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper; Aplix, Inc. Representative; John Loyack, EDPNC, VP, Global Business Services; Aplix, Inc. Representative; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Economic Development
L-R: John Loyack, EDPNC, VP, Global Business Services; North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper; Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC Representatives; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Manufacturing Excellence
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Sierra Nevada Representative; John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce
Sustainable
Manufacturing
L-R: John Loyack, EDPNC, VP, Global Business Services; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; The Bark House at Highland Craftsman Representative; John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce
Workforce
Development
L-R: Service Thread Representatives; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Service Thread Representatives; John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce
Continuous
Improvement
L-R: Mitch Poteat, Regional Manager, Research Triangle; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Flex Representatives; John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce
Economic Development
L-R: John Loyack, EDPNC, VP, Global Business Services; Associated Hardwoods Representatives; Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce
Manufacturing Excellence
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; David Catt, Keihin Carolina System Technology (now Hitachi Astemo, LTD); John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce
Sustainable
Manufacturing
Ann’s House – (Did Not Attend)
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce; Kimberly Conley, North Carolina State University Industry Extension Services
Workforce
Development
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce; PEMMCO Representatives
Innovative
Practice
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce; AEG International Representative; Cheryl Smith, NCSU IES Regional Manager
Continuous
Improvement
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce; Fiberon Representatives; Don Honeycutt, Rowan Cabarrus Community College (now the Regional Customized Training, Director)
Economic Development
L-R: Phil Mintz, Executive Director Industry Extension Services and North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership; John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce; GE Aviation Representative; John Loyack, EDPNC, VP, Global Business Services