MONTGOMERY — Madison’s YKTA was named the state’s Emerging Manufacturing of the Year in the 2022 Manufacturer of the Year Awards.
The Business Council of Alabama, in partnership with the Alabama Technology Network, hosted the annual event today at the Alabama Activity Center in Montgomery.
“The Manufacturer of the Year award winners are the foundation of Alabama’s economic success,” said Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield. “These incredible companies continue to move Alabama forward with their motivated workforce, innovation, and growth-minded business models.
“I am honored to help recognize the best in Alabama manufacturing.”
The Emerging Manufacturer of the Year recognizes an upstart manufacturer which has been in business less than five years and displayed significant growth, with the potential to break out in the coming years.
Madison-based YKTA, manufacturing high-quality parts since 2019, is a joint venture between Mazda supplier Y-TEC; vehicle body parts design and manufacturer Keylex; and Toyota supplier Toyotetsu.
Awards were presented in three other categories based on the number of employees: small with 99 or fewer employees; medium with 100-399 employees; and large with 400 or greater employees.
Douglas Manufacturing in Pell City was named Small Manufacturer of the Year; Medium Manufacturer of the Year is Aker Solutions in Mobile; and Large Manufacturers of the Year is Bridgewater Interiors of Eastaboga.
Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges based on demonstration of superior performance in customer focus, employee commitment, operating excellence, continuous improvement, profitable growth, and investment in training and retraining.
“BCA is proud to support these leading manufacturers who are dedicated to keeping Alabama’s manufacturing industry the best in the nation through their hard-working employees, superior performance, and excellence in innovation,” said Executive Director Robin Stone. “From small businesses to large industrial employers, each of the category winners and finalists have certainly set themselves apart.
“We are honored to partner with ATN to recognize these impressive Made-In-Alabama manufacturers.”
The awards recognize those leading the way in leadership, performance, profitability, and workforce relations.
“Alabama’s manufacturers have a monumental impact on our economy – and it is industry leaders like these being recognized today that keep our state moving forward in growth and development,” said Keith Phillips, ATN executive director. “ATN is pleased to stand alongside BCA to support and recognize these top-notch manufacturers at the 23rd annual Manufacturer of the Year Awards.” .
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