Manufacturers across Illinois are navigating workforce challenges, rising costs, and constant change. Across the state, companies, educators, and industry partners are finding new ways to adapt, grow, and lead.
On June 25, 2026, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) will bring those stories together at the 2026 Manufacturing Hall of Fame & Excellence Awards Luncheon, recognizing organizations and individuals making a measurable impact across Illinois manufacturing.
The top finalists in each category will be recognized live during the event, celebrating innovation, leadership, collaboration, and operational excellence across the industry.
Champion of Operational Excellence
Aurora Specialty Textiles Group
Ferrara
Quality Metal Products
Swan Surfaces, LLC
Workforce Excellence
Advance Lifts
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM)
Man-Tra-Con Corporation
Economic Development Partner of the Year
Ameren Illinois
Lake County Partners
mHUB
Innovator of the Year
Clayco
Meyer Tool & Manufacturing, Inc.
QuesTek Innovations, LLC.
Zap Labeler
Community Impact
Sparkforce FMA Foundation
Libby’s (nestle USA)
Prysmian
Educator of the Year
Chris Sink – Southern Illinois Manufacturing Academy; Rend Lake College
Kerri Peters – University of Illinois Integrated Bioprocessing Research Lab
Nancy Awdziejczyk – Northwest Educational Council for Student Success
Safety Champion
Dyno Nobel
Ferrara
Laystrom Manufacturing
Sustainable Champion of the Year
Hoffer Plastics Corporation
Libby’s (Nestlé USA)
Dream to Product
Manufacturing Hall of Fame & Excellence Awards Luncheon
Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Westin Chicago Lombard
Join manufacturers, industry leaders, and partners from across Illinois to:
Learn how peers are approaching today’s challenges
Connect with manufacturers and partners across the state
Take away ideas you can apply to your own business
IMEC is the first stop. This is where you see what’s possible.
