May 6 - 2022 Northeast Indiana Manufacturing Awards presented

KPC Media and the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana held the event virtually April 29. The inaugural event was in 2020 with 2021’s event canceled because of COVID-19.

The virtual format allowed for a detailed look at the semifinalists and winners in addition to the printed special section that’s being mailed to hundreds in the manufacturing community.

A bonus feature was a one-on-one video with Mark Millett, the president and one of the three co-founders of Steel Dynamics, Inc. that will be available on Business Weekly’s website, FWBusiness.com. Millett discussed SDI’s founding, its dedication to green manufacturing, and its growth through acquisitions as it approaches its 30th year of operation. The Fort Wayne-based company is one of the largest producers of carbon steel products in the United States.

This year’s keynote speaker was Chris Tuff, author of “The Millennial Whisperer” and “Save Your Asks.“ He discussed ways to engage the millennial and Gen Z workforce and improve networking skills through genuine connections.

Awards were presented to:

Manufacturer of the Year

Steel Dynamics, Inc., winner

Forest River, Hendrickson, semifinalists

Indiana-Owned Manufacturer of the Year

Adventure Homes, winner

Hudson Aquatic Systems, Vera Bradley, semifinalists

Internationally-Owned Manufacturer of the Year

Peg Perego, winner

Carlex, Exo-s, semifinalists

Small Manufacturer

Kammerer Dynamics Inc., winner

DOT America, Indiana Millwright Services, semifinalists

Best Manufacturing Workplace

Murray Equipment, Inc., winner

ChromaSource, semifinalist

Workplace Diversity

ADEC, winner

PHD, Miller Poultry, semifinalists

‘Green’ Manufacturer

Brightmark, winner

Kwik Lok, Bella IMC, semifinalists

Corporate citizen

The Viggiano family of Continental Diamond Tool

See the special section and video with SDI on FWBusiness.com. The award presentation will be available at www.kpceventbuzz.com, along with Business Weekly’s webinars and other event information.