Winners of the 2011 Minnesota Manufacturing Awards

Minnesota Business has announced the winners of the 2011 Minnesota Manufacturing Awards. The awards honor companies in five categories: Manufacturing Company of the Year, Manufacturing Executive of the Year, Manufacturing Innovation of the Year, Emerging Manufacturer of the Year and Top Woman-Owned Manufacturing Company of the Year.

To honor the depth and innovation of the Minnesota Manufacturing scene, Minnesota Business partnered with the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association (MPMA) to host the awards in conjunction with Minnesota’s Manufacturing week in October.

The following companies will be honored at the MPMA’s annual meeting—An Opportunity For Growth—on Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Doubletree Hotel, Minneapolis Park Place. They will also be featured in the December issue of Minnesota Business.

Manufacturing Company of the Year is Mold-Tech Inc.

Founded in 1978, Albertville-based Mold-Tech has served the injected molding industry by designing and building high-quality injection molds. From 2009 to 2010 Mold-Tech saw an increase in sales by 21 percent. They have also created multiple programs to attract and retain employees.

Manufacturing Executive of the Year is Mike Schuffenhauer.

Mike Schuffenhauer, president of Multisource Manufacturing, joined the company in 2004 and had an almost immediate impact. Schueffenhauer’s efforts were a strong contribution to Multisource’s ability to continue to grow and invest, expanding employment from 175 to 225 people from 2009 to 2010, and growing revenue by 45 percent in that same time period.

Manufacturing Innovation of the Year winner is Top Tool Company.

Top Tool is one of only four contract manufacturers in the United States using a wire machine to execute a pioneering process. The machine wire cuts materials that are less than one quarter of the thickness of a human hair, producing parts as small or smaller. This new process enables Top Tool to compete in new markets for micro sophisticated components, used in medical implants and micro electrical connectors.

Emerging Manufacturer of the Year is Aggressive Hydraulics.

Aggressive Hydraulics has accomplished a lot in their 11 years in business. In 2000 they were a true startup after the top executive was let go from a local, larger manufacturer and the six founders went without a paycheck in their first year. From 2008 to 2010, they hired 13 new employees. In 2010 they had a 38 percent revenue increase.

Top Woman-Owned Manufacturing Company of the Year is Permac Industries.

Darlene Miller purchased Permac in 1994 and is credited for establishing a “can-do” culture within the  company. Within the most recent year, Permac has seen revenues go up by 43 percent and the number of employees has gone up by 19 percent.

Individual tickets for the awards ceremony at the MPMA’s annual meeting are $75 for MPMA members and $95 for non-members. To purchase tickets, visit minnesotabusiness.com. Table sponsorships start at $1,000 and include: one table of eight seats, table signage for company recognition, and listing in event program. To purchase a table or discuss event sponsorships, contact Luann Bartley at 952.564.3041 or luann@mpma.com. For more information, visit minnesotabusiness.com or mpma.com/events.