Wisconsin Opened Nominations for Manufacturing Awards

Manufacturers in the state are invited to submit entries for the annual program recognizing industrial excellence.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Manufacturing

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The Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce association has officially opened nominations for its annual Manufacturer of the Year award program. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce association has opened the nomination period for its annual Manufacturer of the Year awards. The program recognizes companies contributing to the sector's role as a primary driver of the state's economy.

Why it matters

Manufacturing accounts for significant economic activity in the state, and these awards highlight firms that maintain high operational standards. For owners, the program serves as a benchmark for evaluating competitive standing within the regional industrial landscape.

Wisconsin manufacturing contributes $73.8 billion to the state GDP, with the workforce earning $46.4 billion annually. The awards program will select four Grand Award winners from the pool of nominees.

The players

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce

The primary business association for the state representing industrial interests and public policy.

The details

The program accepts nominations for businesses that make the state a national leader in manufacturing. An independent panel of judges reviews the entries to select recipients, with the process culminating in a formal ceremony. Operators can submit applications through the official portal to participate in the multi-decade tradition.

Timeline

  1. October 30, 2026 is the deadline for award nominations.

  2. February 18, 2027 is the date of the awards ceremony at The Pfister in Milwaukee.

Market Landscape

This call for nominations marks the continuation of the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year awards, which have recognized industry leaders for over thirty years. The program aligns with broader state efforts to benchmark manufacturing performance and drive regional competitiveness.

Operators looking to benchmark their company's market position should review the nomination requirements for the state's industrial awards. Submissions must be finalized by the October deadline to be considered by the judging panel.

The takeaway

The awards program highlights key markers of success for regional manufacturing firms. Interested operators should submit their applications at WIMOTY.com by October 30 to qualify for the Grand Award selection process.

What happens next

The nomination window closes on October 30, 2026, followed by the awards ceremony on February 18, 2027.

Further reading

For broader insights on regional industrial trends, view the latest coverage in Manufacturing.

More information

Submit your company's information through the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year nomination portal.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Seehafer News.

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Do annual manufacturing awards help improve the economic climate in your local community?