The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program’s 2026 “MADE in NJ” Manufacturing Day took place Oct. 2 at iPlay America in Freehold.
The annual event brings together manufacturers, business leaders, educators, legislators and industry partners from across the state. Manufacturing Day features keynote addresses, breakout sessions, interactive exhibits, networking opportunities and the “MADE in NJ” Manufacturing Day Awards.
This year’s winners are:
Small Manufacturer of the Year: Groezinger Provisions, a Neptune-based, women-owned maker of all natural pâtés and terrines
Medium Manufacturer of the Year: Douglas Electrical Components, a Randolph-based producer of of hermetic electrical feedthroughs and connectors
Large Manufacturer of the Year: Congoleum, a flooring products maker based in Mercerville
Innovator of the Year: Switlik Survival Products, a Trenton-based manufacturer serving marine, aviation, military and search & rescue organizations
Rising Stars Award: Yana Katliarova, managing partner at Hamilton-based Modern Line Furniture
Leader in Life Sciences: MICRO Corp., a medical device contract manufacturer based in Somerset
And this year’s MADE in NJ Honor Roll included:
- Michele Siekerka, president & CEO – New Jersey Business & Industry Association
- Bill Warger, director of photonics education – Thorlabs
- Carrie Hines, president & CEO – American Small Manufacturers Coalition
- James Horne Jr., president & CEO – Junior Achievement of New Jersey
- Jon Katz, president & CEO – Bestwork Industries for the Blind
“What you see in this year’s winners is exactly what keeps manufacturing moving forward — companies willing to innovate and invest, leaders committed to their people, and individuals building careers that will shape this industry for years to come,” said New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program CEO Peter Connolly.
NJMEP said last year’s event drew more than 1,100 attendees.
NJBIZ digital operations specialist Dawn Furnas contributed to this report.
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