Photo by Thomas Philip / ROI-NJ
The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) held the 14th annual “MADE in NJ” Manufacturing Day at iPlay America in Freehold on Oct. 2, where it revealed the winners of its highly coveted awards.
The 2026 ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day Awards recognize manufacturers and industry leaders whose innovation, growth, leadership, and commitment to their people continue to strengthen New Jersey manufacturing.
In addition to the awards ceremony, programming will include keynote addresses, breakout sessions, exhibits and opportunities for attendees to connect with manufacturers and other industry leaders. NJMEP said its 2025 event attracted more than 1,100 attendees.
Here are the winners:
- Manufacturer of the Year — Small | Groezinger Provisions
- Manufacturer of the Year — Medium | Douglas Electrical Components
- Manufacturer of the Year — Large | Congoleum
- Innovator of the Year | Switlik Survival Products
- Rising Stars Award | Yana Katliarova — Modern Line Furniture
- Leader in Life Sciences | MICRO Corporation
‘MADE in NJ’ Honor Roll
- Michele Siekerka, Esq., President & CEO – New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA)
- Bill Warger, Director of Photonics Education – Thorlabs
- Carrie Hines, President & CEO – American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC)
- James W. Horne, Jr., President & CEO – Junior Achievement of New Jersey
- Jon Katz, President & CEO – Bestwork Industries for the Blind
This year’s Manufacturing Day holds a special distinction, as NJMEP celebrates 30 years of supporting New Jersey manufacturers, while also recognizing America’s 250th Anniversary and the generations of innovation that have shaped the nation’s manufacturing legacy.
