By Jeff Moad
As the economy continues its long, uneven climb out of recession, which manufacturing companies will benefit first and most? Here’s a hint: Manufacturers that have attempted to deal with the downturn mainly by cutting costs and lying low probably won’t be among those taking the greatest advantage of the economy’s updraft. Instead the companies that have leveraged the economic lull to revamp their business models, forge better supply network relationships, and improve visibility throughout the business — while also reducing costs — are the ones now in a position to distance themselves from the competition.
Twelve such manufacturing leaders are profiled in the following pages. They are the top winners of the 2009 Progressive Manufacturing Awards. Each was selected by a board of 15 distinguished judges who this year reviewed a record number of nominations. The judges selected a High Achiever winner in each of the eight Progressive Manufacturing Award mastery categories. (For more on the categories and the judges, visit MA’s website.) The judges also selected two Progressive Manufacturer of the Year winners that demonstrated mastery of multiple Progressive Manufacturing categories. For the first time this year, judges selected one Progressive Manufacturer of the Year from large enterprises with revenue in excess of $1 billion and one from small/medium-sized companies with revenue under $1 billion per year.
Also for the first time this year, Managing Automation’s editorial team selected two Progressive Manufacturing Editors’ Choice Award winners. Editors recognized these companies for their persistent efforts to improve performance and for their adherence to the spirit of Progressive Manufacturing.
Each of these Progressive Manufacturers has demonstrated that, even in tough economic times, it is essential to prepare for the future by continuously becoming more efficient, more agile, and more innovative. Because they have, we expect you’ll be hearing much more good news about them before too long.
Progressive Manufacturer of the Year - Large Enterprise: Ingersoll Rand Co.
Progressive Manufacturer of the Year - Small/Medium Company: VirTex Assembly Services Inc.
High Achiever: Operational Excellence Mastery: Viracon Inc.
High Achiever: Data and Integration Mastery: KLA Tencor Corp.
High Achiever: Supply Network Mastery: Savage Sports Corp.