WBJ names winners of 10th annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards
Photo I Courtesy of Kinefac
WBJ has named the eight recipients of its 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards, including Kinefac of Worcester, winner of the Workforce Development & Productivity award.
- General Manufacturing Excellence: Seaman Paper Co.
- Best Collaboration Award: Rocheleau Tool & Die Co. Inc.
- Manufacturing Champion - Large Company: Jim Knott Jr.
- Manufacturing Champion - Small Company: John Biagioni
- Rising Star: SpadXTech
- Green Manufacturing Award: Electric Hydrogen
- Workforce Development Award: Kinefac Corp.
- Product design & Innovation: Walchem, Iwaki America
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The manufacturing industry remains the elusive powerhouse of the Central Massachusetts economy.
When measured strictly by economic output, no industry is more important to the region than manufacturing. It generates about $6.5 billion in annual gross domestic product, representing about 14% of the region’s total GDP and just eking out the real estate industry (13.5%) as the biggest contributor to the Central Massachusetts economy, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Yet, when compared to higher-profile industries like health care and higher education, manufacturing is often pushed into the background. Sure, certain subsectors like life sciences, cannabis, and breweries get a lot of attention, but the companies comprising the backbone of local manufacturing rarely get the attention they deserve.
This is the main reason WBJ launched the Manufacturing Excellence Awards back in 2016, to shine the spotlight on companies making a difference and breaking new ground. Over the past 10 years, WBJ has honored manufacturers and their executives more than 70 times with awards ranging from overall excellence to workforce development to product innovation.
This year, the Manufacturing Excellence Awards are being given to six companies and two executives, who are championing the industry. Seaman Paper in Gardner is trying to revolutionize the world’s relationship with plastic and paper. SpadXTech in Worcester is using a unique inspiration to make better products. Electric Hydrogen in Devens is working to lower the cost of sustainability. Walchem, Iwaki America in Holliston has brought water treatment into the digital age. Kinefac in Worcester is working to solve the industry’s workforce issues. Rocheleau Tool & Die in Fitchburg relies on collaborative relationships to sustain the success it’s had for 87 years. John Biagioni from Lampin Corp. in Uxbridge is hyperfocused on creating an employee-first culture in the industry. James Knott, Jr. from Riverdale Mills in Northbridge is working to offset the impact of tariffs on companies and customers.
If you want the chance to meet all these amazing leaders, I invite you to the Central Mass Manufacturing Summit & Awards the afternoon of April 22 at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, which will feature thought-provoking insight from industry experts, on top of the awards ceremony. You can register at WBJournal.com. I hope to see you there.
Brad Kane is the editor of the Worcester Business Journal.
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