Fifty-three Nominees Announced for 2010 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards
2011 looks promising for industry

January 4, 2011

MADISON, WI – 2011 already looks like it will be a good year for the manufacturing industry in Wisconsin. Fifty-three Wisconsin companies have been nominated for the 2010 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) awards, compared to 40 last year.The nominated companies were placed into four size categories determined by company-wide employee count. The extensive nomination process requires the companies to include detailed operational and financial information. Of the 53 nominees, 15 companies also applied for the Sustainability Grand Award, showcasing their success in environmental best practices.

“This increased number of nominees is encouraging as it shows manufacturers feel positive about business this past year," said Jim Haney, president of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, one of the program sponsors. “Our state’s manufacturing sector is poised to have an even greater 2011 as we continue to pull through the recovering economy. Wisconsin is home to some of the greatest manufacturers in our nation, that hasn’t changed."

Celebrating its 23rd year, the MOTY program recognizes manufacturers of all sizes and industries for their contributions to the great state of Wisconsin. Manufacturers contribute to the vibrancy of Wisconsin and our communities through good business practices, innovative processes, and productivity enhancements. This program helps celebrate and honor the companies that have made Wisconsin the industrial powerhouse it is today.

“Wisconsin’s manufacturing workforce is resilient and many companies have overcome great adversities. Michael Best looks forward to honoring these manufacturers for their continued commitment to our state," said Tod Linstroth, senior partner and a member of the Management Committee of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, one of the MOTY sponsors.

The nominated companies were placed into four size categories determined by company-wide employee count. The extensive nomination process requires the companies to include detailed operational and financial information. Of the 53 nominees, 15 companies also applied for the Sustainability Grand Award, showcasing their success in environmental best practices.

“Wisconsin manufacturers are innovators. They are focused on bringing advanced technologies to market that will help maintain a competitive edge in the industry. I’m sure this year’s nominees will be a strong representation of the ground-breaking ideas that continue to support profitable growth and expanded job opportunities throughout our state," said Tim Christen, CEO of Baker Tilly, a founding sponsor of MOTY.

The accounting and advisory firm of Baker Tilly, the law firm of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, and the business association Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce sponsor the MOTY awards program. The winners, selected by an independent panel of judges, will be announced at a black-tie banquet on February 24, 2011 at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. Additional information and can be found online at www.wimoty.com or by calling (800) 362-7301.

2010 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award Nominees (listed alphabetically by city)

Beloit - Genencor International Wisconsin, Inc. d/b/a
Genencor, A Danisco Division– Mega Category
Black River Falls - D&S Manufacturing, Inc. – Medium Category
Chilton - Briess Industries, Inc. – Medium and Sustainability Categories
Cornell - Mule-Hide Manufacturing Co., Inc. – Medium Category
De Pere - Cleaning Systems, Inc. (Lustra) – Small and Sustainability Categories
Eagle - UPI Manufacturing, Inc. – Small and Sustainability Categories
Eau Claire - CURT Manufacturing, Inc. – Medium and Sustainability Categories
Germantown - Cambridge Major Laboratories, Inc. – Medium Category
Germantown - KLH Industries, Incorporated – Small Category
Germantown - L.T. Hampel Corp. – Small Category
Germantown - MGS Mfg. Group, Inc. – Mega Category
Germantown - Nelson Container Corporation – Small and Sustainability Categories
Gilman - Gilman Cheese Corporation – Small Category
Green Bay - WS Packaging Group, Inc. – Mega and Sustainability Categories
Hartford - Hydro Electronic Devices, Inc. (HED) – Small Category
Ladysmith - 5R Processors, Ltd. – Medium Category
Lake Mills - Fiberdome Inc. – Medium Category
Madison - Liberty Parts Team Inc. – Small and Sustainability Categories
Manitowoc - Kaysun Corporation – Medium Category
Manitowoc - Manitowoc Cranes, Inc. – Mega Category
Manitowoc - Orion Energy Systems Inc. – Medium Category
Marinette - Winsert, Inc. – Medium Category
Medford - HWD Acquisition, Inc. d/b/a Hurd Windows & Doors – Large Category
Middleton - Automation Components, Inc. – Medium Category
Middleton - Springs Window Fashions LLC – Mega and Sustainability Categories
Milwaukee - GE Healthcare – Mega and Sustainability Categories
Milwaukee - Vulcan Global Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. – Medium and Sustainability Categories
Milwaukee - Wiscraft, Inc. – Small Category
Monroe - Orchid Monroe LLC (Orchid International) – Medium Category
Nashotah - Dickten Masch Plastics, LLC – Large Category
Neenah - Plexus Corporation – Mega Category
Neenah - SCA Tissue North America – Mega and Sustainability Categories
New Berlin - Schoeneck Containers Incorporated – Medium and Sustainability Categories
New London - Enerpipe Systems, Inc. – Mega Category
Oconomowoc - ORBIS Corporation – Mega and Sustainability Categories
Plymouth - Sargento Foods Inc. – Mega Category
Port Washington - Molded Dimensions Inc. – Small Category
Portage - Penda Corporation – Large Category
Poynette - Poynette Iron Works, Inc. – Small Category
Shawano - Genex Cooperative, Inc. – Mega Category
Shawano - Wisconsin Film & Bag – Medium and Sustainability Categories
Sparta - Multistack LLC – Medium Category
Sun Prairie - Palmer Johnson Power Systems – Medium Category
Sussex - Power Test, Inc. – Small and Sustainability Categories
Sussex - Waukesha Tool & Stamping, LLC d/b/a Waukesha Metal Products – Small Category
Taylor - Atlas Resin Proppants LLC – Small Category
Tomahawk - Daigle Brothers, Inc. – Small Category
Watertown - Spuncast, Inc. – Medium Category
Waukesha - Generac Power Systems Inc. – Mega Category
Waukesha - Hydro-Thermal Corporation – Small Category
Waukesha - Weldall Mfg., Inc. – Medium Category
Waunakee - Nord Gear Corporation – Medium Category
Whitewater - Universal Electronics, Inc. – Medium Category

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All company references to Baker Tilly in this press release must be listed as Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP. No shortened version of the company name is permitted.

All references to Baker Tilly International do not require modification.

*According to the 2010 Accounting Today "Top 100 Firms"