For 37 years, the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year awards have recognized the critical $73 billion industry that employs 1 of 6 Wisconsin workers. On Feb. 19 at the historic Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, eight companies heard their names announced at a black‑tie gala — generally considered the state’s premier recognition of manufacturing excellence, sponsored annually by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), Baker Tilly and Michael Best & Friedrich.
This year’s winners were selected from more than 40 finalists that were announced in January. Nine Northeast Wisconsin companies were up for this year’s awards, including the four annual “grand” awards, separated into categories by company size, and four “spotlight” awards aimed at recognizing excellence in achieving specific industry benchmarks.
The president of Robinson Inc., a De Pere‑based contract manufacturer specializing in custom metal fabrication, engineering, and assembly for large industrial enclosures and systems, says he’s not usually one to put much stock in awards, but the opportunity to win another grand award at The Pfister this year got Sam Thomas “a little cranked up.” And as the company’s walk‑up music by Macklemore blared through the ballroom that February evening, Thomas says he was proud to be surrounded by three tables of Robinson leaders and their spouses…