The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) announced the finalists for the 2025 ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day Awards. The awards recognize manufacturers and individuals who have demonstrated excellence in innovation, leadership, and community impact within the state’s manufacturing sector. Winners will be revealed live on Oct. 3, at the ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day celebration at the Event Center at iPlay America in Freehold.
The finalists span a variety of categories, representing companies of all sizes and different industries. The awards aim to highlight the crucial role these businesses play in New Jersey’s economy.
Finalists for the 2025 awards include:
- Manufacturer of the Year – Large: Tilcon NY, Holt Logistics, Legrand (Middle Atlantic), and Hikma Pharmaceuticals.
- Innovator of the Year: Bestwork Industries for the Blind, Krell Technologies, Triad RF Systems Inc., and Zarbeco, LLC.
- Rising Stars: Jackie Luciano (Zago Manufacturing), Cari August (Lightera), Colleen Shea (Pen Company America), Yana Katliarova (Modern Line Furniture Inc.), and Melissa Graziano (Jewel Precision).
The ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day event is the state’s largest annual manufacturing networking event. It will bring together hundreds of industry leaders, government officials, educators, and students for a day of collaboration and recognition. This year, the event will also feature moderated addresses from both of New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial candidates, marking a first for the event.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the event will include product displays, robotics demonstrations, and breakout sessions, providing a comprehensive look at the future of manufacturing in the Garden State.
