When a severe economic downturn strikes, the urge to preserve capital at any cost can be high. Many manufacturers have responded by canceling or downsizing even important transformation projects that in better times they would count on to boost efficiency, expand market share, and improve profitability.
But, even in the grip of the current recession, not all manufacturers are cutting back on progress. The companies featured in these pages have decided that, especially in difficult times, it makes sense to continue to invest in efforts to boost competitiveness. The winners of the fifth annual Progressive Manufacturing 100 Awards, selected by a panel of 15 distinguished judges, believe that now is the time to position themselves for big competitive gains once the economy rebounds.
Winners of the 2009 Progressive Manufacturing 100 Awards will be recognized June 9-12 at the Progressive Manufacturing Summit in Sarasota, FL. At the same event, Managing Automation will unveil the Progressive Manufacturers of the Year and High Achiever winners from among these 100 winners, which are listed in the following pages by Progressive Manufacturing category and subcategory. (Subcategories were added this year to help guide manufacturers’ nominations.)
Congratulations to all 2009 Progressive Manufacturing 100 winners. Your talent, determination, and faith in the future are sure to be rewarded.