Antigo's VOLM Companies wins Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year honor

MILWAUKEE — Nine Wisconsin companies were named as winners in the 35th Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards for outstanding achievements in manufacturing.

Antigo’s VOLM Companies won the Grand Award for large manufacturers. The winners were announced Thursday at a black-tie banquet honoring all 36 finalists.

The prestigious Manufacturer of the Year Awards program recognizes Wisconsin companies that are dedicated to quality careers, good business practices, financial growth, innovative processes and reinvestment into local communities. The industry itself employs nearly a half million Wisconsinites and contributes roughly $70 billion annually to the economy.

“Wisconsin’s best superpower is our manufacturing industry,” said Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) President & CEO Kurt R. Bauer.

“We appreciate the opportunity both to highlight manufacturing as a whole and to showcase the best of our state’s workforce. We’re incredibly proud of Wisconsin’s manufacturing heritage and the notoriety this industry has brought to our state, and are confident that it is companies like these that will continue to drive Wisconsin forward.”

VOLM Companies specializes in packaging solutions for the fresh produce, frozen foods, lawn & garden, events and pet product industries. The company was founded in nearby Bryant in 1954.

Companies were evaluated on many key benchmarks, including financial growth, technological advances, product development, environmental solutions and sustainability, operational excellence and continuous improvement, commitment to employees and effective research and development. Award winners were selected by an independent panel of judges.

“Over the last 35 years of MOTY we’ve seen the tremendous growth of Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry. It’s an honor to celebrate manufacturers with this award program.” said Greg Sofra, Baker Tilly’s Wisconsin Manufacturing Leader. “On behalf of Baker Tilly, congratulations to this year’s winners. We look forward to seeing your continued success and how you will drive innovation in the industry over the next 35 years.”

Four Grand Award winners, based on company size, were recognized for impeccable performance. VOLM was joined by Elkhorn’s Precision Plus Solutions in the small division, Muza Sheet Metal Company of Oshkosh in the medium category, and Menasha Corp., based in Neenah, in the pool of mega companies.

“The Manufacturer of the Year Awards program shows the ingenuity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence that define our state’s manufacturing sector,” added Michael Best Firm Managing Partner David Krutz. “Michael Best is proud to support this program that celebrates the achievements of outstanding manufacturers and serves as a catalyst for innovation and growth for Wisconsin’s economy, communities, and our future.”