It’s the biggest day in manufacturing in New Jersey. An event, from the N.J. Manufacturing Extension Program, dubbed ‘‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day.’
Before more than 1,000 attendees at the Made in NJ Manufacturing Day last Friday at iPlay America in Freehold, NJMEP recognized manufacturers and industry leaders whose innovation, growth, leadership and commitment to their people continue to strengthen New Jersey manufacturing. Dozens of companies were nominated.
Here’s a look at the winners, with details from NJMEP:
Manufacturer of the Year — Small: Groezinger Provisions: The family- and woman-owned Neptune company has made specialty meats since 1982, and its products are in major grocery chains.
Manufacturer of the Year — Medium: Douglas Electrical Components: The Randolph company makes precision connectors and harness assemblies for aerospace, defense, semiconductor and medical customers. It grew about 60% this year and added more than 25 employees.
Manufacturer of the Year — Large: Congoleum: The flooring maker, headquartered in Mercer County, has been around for more than 135 years. It runs the only 16-foot-wide sheet vinyl manufacturing line in North America.
Innovator of the Year: Switlik Survival Products: The Trenton company has made lifesaving equipment for aviation, marine and military use for more than a century. Its CSU-13B/P anti-G suit helps fighter pilots stay conscious and in control under extreme G-forces. The suit also was named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey.
Rising Star Award: Yana Katliarova (Modern Line Furniture): Katliarova joined the Hamilton furniture maker in 2014 after first picturing a career in finance or international business. She has earned the trust of the company’s craftsmen and gained a growing role in purchasing for its hotel and restaurant customers.
Leader in Life Sciences: MICRO Corporation: The Somerset company, an FDA-registered medical device manufacturer, takes products from development through full-scale production at its 175,000-square-foot New Jersey operation. It has upskilled more than 100 employees. The award was presented by the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey.
NJMEP also announced its annual Honor Roll, a recognition of people and companies who support the sector. This year’s honorees:
Michele Siekerka, CEO, N.J. Business & Industry Association: Siekerka has led NJBIA since 2014. As NJMEP CEO Pete Connolly put it, she represents manufacturing and NJMEP represents manufacturers.
Bill Warger, Director of Photonics Education, Thorlabs: Warger has more than 20 years in photonics and leads Thorlabs’ outreach, taking photonics education to classrooms and community events. He also supports NJMEP’s Makers and Creators program.
Carrie Hines, CEO, American Small Manufacturers Coalition: Hines founded the coalition in 2005. It represents the national network of 51 MEP centers in Congress.
James Horne Jr., CEO, Junior Achievement of N.J.: Junior Achievement and NJMEP plan to launch Junior Makers and Creators in 2027, bringing manufacturing education to junior high schools.
Jon Katz, CEO, Bestwork Industries for the Blind: Bestwork employs blind and visually impaired workers. Its products include the colored flight-deck jerseys worn on Navy aircraft carriers, as well as sleeping bags.
This year’s event, the 14th, also marked NJMEP’s 30th anniversary.
