Central Massachusetts has long been defined by manufacturing.
From the mills powering the region’s early economy to today’s advanced production floors, making things has remained a constant. What has changed is how that work gets done, and who is doing it.
This year’s Manufacturing Excellence Awards highlight a sector constantly evolving, often quietly, but with significant impact: $6.5 billion in economic output to Central Massachusetts each year.
Across this section, you’ll find companies scaling new technologies, refining decades-old processes, and building the workforce needed to sustain both. Some are global firms producing tools used in laboratories and defense systems around the world. Others are small, growing operations finding new ways to recycle materials, improve production, and bring niche products to market.
What connects them is a focus on execution.
Several of this year’s honorees are investing heavily in training, creating clearer pathways for employees to advance and take on more responsibility. Others are strengthening the systems behind their operations: improving planning, reducing inefficiencies, and building more consistent processes. These efforts are less visible than a new product launch but just as critical to long-term success.
Manufacturers are working more closely with suppliers, customers, schools, and government partners to solve problems no single organization can address alone. Whether it’s developing new materials, building regional workforce pipelines, or scaling emerging industries, that coordination is becoming a defining feature of the sector.
They reflect a manufacturing base that is not standing still, serving as the backbone of the Central Massachusetts economy.
To further honor these winners, please join us at the Central Mass. Manufacturing Summit & Awards the afternoon of April 30. Head to WBJournal.com to register.
Brad Kane is editor of the Worcester Business Journal.
General Manufacturing Excellence – Large Business Category – Coghlin Cos., in Westborough
General Manufacturing Excellence – Small Business – Killeen Manufacturing – Killeen Security Products, in Auburn
Product Innovation – Waters Corp., in Milford
Workforce Development & Productivity – The L.S. Starrett Co., in Athol
Collaboration in Manufacturing – LRP Recycling, in Holliston
Rising Star – Powders on Demand, in Worcester and Leominster
Green Manufacturing – GLASS LAB, Inc., in Whitinsville
Product Design – Metamagnetics Inc., in Marlborough
Manufacturing Champion – Executive – Gina Melendez of Hudson Lock, in Hudson
Manufacturing Champion – Advocate – Jon Weaver of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, in Worcester
