Grede Holdings LLC

The Grede Holdings legacy dates back to 1920 when William J. Grede founded Grede Foundries, Inc. with an iron foundry in Wauwatosa. Privately held with headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, the company specializes in high quality ductile, gray and specialty iron castings, including lost foam and high silicon molybdenum applications. Grede Holdings LLC has 5,000 employees and operates 16 foundries and four machining operations in North America serving the transportation and industrial markets globally. Grede operates four foundries and one machining operation in Wisconsin, employing 1,500 people. Grede Holdings has been nominated for the Mega-sized Company Grand Award.

Hanel Corporation

Hanel Corporation provides close tolerance hydraulic components that drive the machinery of the world. They have grown dramatically with the last few years – from employing 21 people on a part time basis, to now employing 70 hard working Wisconsinites. And, they expect to grow by 25 percent over the next year. Hanel Corporation, located in New Berlin, Wisconsin, prides itself on its strong structure of strategic planning which help them meet all their goals. They are successful, in large part, thanks to their employees' determination to demonstrate improvement. They have greatly invested in employee training, tools, and new equipment. This new equipment has been incorporated into new mobile manufacturing cells which allow products to be produced faster, with far superior quality, and presented on a global stage. Derek Smith, Vice President at Associated Bank, N.A. in Milwaukee, nominated Hanel Corporation for the Small-sized Company Grand Award.

HUSCO Automotive Holdings, LLC

HUSCO Automotive designs and manufactures electro-hydraulic controls used in automotive applications. They are based in Whitewater, Wisconsin and employ over 1,100 people—330 from Wisconsin. Over the years, HUSCO has shifted focus from suspension systems to advanced powertrain applications such as cam phasing and cylinder deactivation, advanced transmissions, and start-stop systems that improve the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines. HUSCO's expertise in developing advanced powertrain components allowed for the design of new components faster, and at a lower cost, than competitors resulting in customers awarding major new program commitments. These projects awarded to HUSCO will reduce global fuel usage by over 91 million gallons per year and lessen the dependence on foreign energy sources. HUSCO has been nominated for the Mega-sized Company Grand Award and Sustainability Award.

HWD Acquisition d/b/a Hurd Windows and Doors

HWD Acquisition d/b/a Hurd Windows and Doors is making a major commitment to position itself for future growth not only in the window market but in the state of Wisconsin. As many manufacturers dealt with downsizing this year, Hurd acquired a business, expanded its facilities, introduced new parts, hired a number of employees, and raced to keep up with demand. Hurd employs 359 people, nearly all of which are Wisconsinites. Hurd acquired Superseal Windows and Doors located in South Plainfield, New Jersey in January of 2011 and is moving the production of Superseal products to a Wisconsin-based manufacturing facility in Merrill, Wisconsin bringing along 150 new jobs in 2012. Although the housing market crashed, Hurd has been able to quickly pull out of a downturn and into profits by diversifying beyond new construction housing, and beyond the United States border. Mayor William R. Bialecki of the City of Merrill nominated HWD Acquisition for the Large-sized Category Grand Prize.

Imagination Trends, LLC

Imagination Trends (IT) has committed to helping their customers create new worlds by delivering unique, high-quality products providing increased value to customers and their end user. In 2010, Lisa Pertzborn-Whiting, Chief Executive Officer, won the "Make Mine a Million $ Business" competition with her business plan and product mix in mind. Imagination Trends' focus on strategic partnerships, product innovation, technological advancement, efficiency in operations, and community engagement allows them to flourish in less than ideal economic times. IT has formed a partnership with Fathead, LLC, which has put the company in a favorable position as a newer company, to maximize the benefits associated with the exclusive licensing rights Fathead possesses. With this partnership and a growing sales organization, Imagination Trends' production distribution has grown substantially and is poised to continue this success into the future. Pertzborn-Whiting has made a conscientious effort to utilize local companies to support production overflow as well as act as the providers of necessary materials used in the production of IT's product lines. Lisa Beck, Executive Director of the DeForest Chamber of Commerce, has nominated Imagination Trends for the Small-sized Company Grand Award.

iMARK Molding, Inc.

iMARK Molding, of Woodville, Wisconsin, gives clients more than a plastic-molded product. The company forms a distinct partnership with each client to assist with every step of the process, from design, to production, to value-added secondary operations. Their sophisticated product realization process, robust quality planning, technologically advanced manufacturing processes, and straight-forward customer-centric focus positions customers with the competitive advantage they require in today's marketplace. iMARK takes tremendous pride in their recently expanded facility. As a globally competitive manufacturer housed in small-town Wisconsin, iMARK's quality and dedication stands above others. iMARK has built their company on the cornerstones of mutual respect of all 52 employees, almost all from Wisconsin, and personal responsibility. iMARK delivers maximized cost savings, increased quality, and accelerated speed-to-market. iMARK dedicates time and engineering expertise to local school projects and CEO Mark Sturtevant collaborated with local educators to develop a program that involves the entire eighth grade class and relates much of what students are taught in school to the real world of manufacturing. In addition to this program, iMARK has an Engineering Scholarship Program and makes contributions to promote manufacturing careers in the community. iMARK has been nominated for the Small-sized Company Grand Award.

JL French Automotive Castings, Inc.

J.L. French is a leading global supplier of high-pressure die-cast aluminum powertrain components to world-class customers in the transportation industry. Burdened by high debt, no liquidity, no ability to borrow money, and not enough income to meet all of its obligations due to the 2009 automotive market crisis, things did not look good for J.L. French. Through hard work, dedication, strategic thinking, and great leadership from its 1,245 employees, 886 of whom are from Wisconsin, the company was able to come back and today is stronger and healthier to meet future challenges and opportunities. J.L. French is headquartered in Sheboygan, Wisconsin with six vertically integrated systems throughout the world. Even with its global success, J.L. French has stayed true to its Badger roots and has two Sheboygan facilities which employ more than 53 percent of their total employees, and produce 60 percent of the company's revenue. J.L. French has been nominated for the Mega-sized Company Grand Award.

P&H Mining Equipment, Part of Joy Global, Inc.

P&H Mining Equipment, Inc. - a subsidiary of Milwaukee-based Joy Global, Inc. - is playing a vital role as a supplier of highly reliable and productive equipment and service support to the global surface mining industry. With many mining operations located in remote and extreme places, mining operations look to P&H Mining to supply them with rugged, reliable, safe, productive, and highly intelligent mining equipment allowing them to produce large volumes of valuable commodities while simultaneously safeguarding their employees and the environment. The company's culture is driven by operational excellence, which requires every function within the company - marketing, manufacturing, finance, human resources, and information technology - to focus on efficient, value-adding transformation processes with exceptional reliability on behalf of their mine operations customers. P&H's 10,230 employees - 1,800 from Wisconsin - manufacture and support blast hole drilling rigs, electric mining shovels, walking draglines, front-end wheel loaders, and crush-convey systems. P&H Mining Equipment has been nominated for the Mega-sized Company Grand Award.

Kaysun Corporation

Kaysun Corporation is family-owned, technologically advanced, quality-driven, and dedicated to the community. Kaysun is a leading plastic injection molding company with the mission to help design, engineer, and manufacture mission-critical products and parts that improve quality of life around the world. Kaysun has a state-of-the-art injection-molding and research and development facilities in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where it has been a valued employer and dedicated community partner. The company employs 155 dedicated people and has built long-standing partnerships with customers, suppliers, and employees. Over the last two years Kaysun Corporation has continued to invest in new technology, infrastructure, and training to stay globally competitive and keep jobs in Manitowoc. Attorney Paul W. Griepentrog, of Godfrey and Kahn, nominated Kaysun Corporation for the Medium-sized Company Grand Award.

KHS USA, Inc.

KHS USA manufacturing and administrative headquarters are located in Waukesha. There, 220 Wisconsin employees design, manufacture, and service state-of-the-art filling and packaging systems for the largest food and beverage companies in the world, including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, MillerCoors, Anheuser-Busch, Proctor & Gamble, Kraft, and hundreds more. KHS USA is developing a first-of-its-kind series of smaller filling equipment to be used in the expanding microbrew market. The company firmly believes that their success should be shared to help invest in education and the growth of Wisconsin's economy. KHS USA partakes in numerous philanthropic programs and is very dedicated to environmental sustainability. KHS USA has been nominated for the Large-sized Company Grand Award and the Sustainability Award.

KLH Industries, Inc.

KLH Industries began with Kenneth L. Heins as the sole employee with one machine in one room. Over the past twenty years, KLH has grown from a one-room shop into a custom machining one-stop shop. At KLH, no two jobs look the same. The company has manufactured a critical shaft for a customer's aerospace equipment, an orifice plate for food processing equipment, research technology for the defense sector, and had parts ride along for the final NASA shuttle, STS-135. All of this is made possible with their workforce of 37 hard-working Wisconsinites. David R. Bouchardt, CFO/COO of Commerce State Bank, nominated KLH Industries for the Small-sized Company Grand Award.  

L.T. Hampel Corporation

L.T. Hampel is a diversified plastic manufacturer in Germantown which has built their reputation on providing innovative, customer-centric solutions to difficult problems, and on delivering high quality parts worthy of the Hampel name. For over thirty years, the company has become known for doing the difficult, specializing in heavy gauge, deeply drawn thermoformed parts that are sold on a proprietary and custom basis. Hampel has been consistently ranked in the top 15 of U.S. heavy gauge thermoformers, but it separates itself from its competition through its diverse product offerings. The cornerstone of Hampel's diverse product offering is the Calf-Tel calf hutch which is used principally for raising calves in the dairy industry. Nearly 400,000 Calf-Tel units are installed world-wide and are responsible for providing an optimal environment for accelerated growth to almost two million calves annually. L.T. Hampel is working closely with producers, governmental agencies and academia in Russia and China to educate them on the value and benefits resulting from Calf-Tel use. Sound financial execution has allowed Hampel to make it through the economic downturn to a position of new sales records. Hampel attributes this success to its 117 employees, 115 of which are in Wisconsin. Since July 2009, Hampel has increased its staff by 45 team members. L.T. Hampel has been nominated for the Medium-sized Company Grand Award.

Linetec
Linetec is the industry leader in architectural finishing. Linetec attributes its success largely to values- based management. Proliferating and sustaining the core values throughout the company has yielded improvements in all areas—financial, operational, cultural, and environmental. To Linetec, environmental responsibility means more than just compliance to all applicable EPA, DNR, and OSHA regulations—to which they have a track record of 17 years fine and violation-free. This Wausau company employs 342 Wisconsinites. Linetec goes beyond regulations to positively impact the environment. The company participates in peak energy management programs offered by Wisconsin Public Service and minimizes waste through numerous projects. Linetec has been nominated for the Large-size Company Grand Award and the Sustainability Award.

MAG IAS, LLC – Fond du Lac

MAG IAS, LLC – Fond du Lac is a machining and repair company which has been in business for more than 152 years, having been able to do so largely due to commitment, involvement, and innovation. MAG employs 207 Wisconsinites who are committed not only to building and selling standard machine tools at the lowest possible price, but who also continue learning new skills and developing highly engineered machines configured for their customer's specific needs using proven and reliable modules. MAG is involved through interaction with customers at all levels of employees and constant communication between all team members. MAG innovates by developing new products to open new markets and upgrade technology that is more accurate, reliable, and friendlier to use than the competition. The company's employees use innovation to remove waste, cost, and time from all of their processes. MAG IAS, LLC – Fond Du Lac has been nominated for the Mega-sized Company Grand Award.

Maletto Packaging, Inc.

Maletto Packaging, Inc. is a family owned business in Eau Claire. Maletto prepares packages containing bottles for its customers to fill with product, such as their largest customer does with beer - Leinenkugels (MillerCoors). The company also does custom packaging for other local manufacturers as well as case-to-case repack, quality control, and various other services. Maletto views itself as an extension of their customers' manufacturing facilities. Maletto Packaging's financial performance has strengthened dramatically over the last several years and has allowed the company to complete two additions to their facility to operate with a 10 million case per year capacity and installed new packaging equipment. Maletto has been able to increase the profitability of the company by streamlining processes and utilizing the Small Business Administration. The company takes great pride in supporting their 32 Wisconsin employees. They have made tremendous improvements to the facilities automation to assist employees on the line and reduce injuries. Not only does Maletto Packaging support its employees, it supports the community. The company participates in the Chippewa Falls Great Water Days, Lake Hallie Optimist Club events, and monetarily supports many other organizations. Theresa A. Dean, Vice President of Independence State Bank, nominated Maletto Packaging, Inc. for the Small-sized Company Grand Award.

MGS Mfg. Group, Inc.

MGS Mfg. Group, of Germantown, has distinguished itself in the plastics industry as the company on top of the pyramid regarding capabilities and innovation. MGS Mfg. Group has over 1000 employees, 497 of whom are in Wisconsin. MGS has built revolutionary tooling systems deploying their patented multiple-sided rotary stack technology, created a six manifold adhesive distribution machine which facilitated their customers need to more accurately control the amount of mastic applied to a complex assembly, opened a new production molding facility in Ireland to support their customers' European manufacturing needs, lost one of their top customers to bankruptcy leaving MGS substantially in debt, survived this loss by quickly reorganizing the involved internal resources and managing cash flow, started MGS Automation—an expansion and new facility included, along with many other accomplishments. MGS has added four new companies to its list of top 10 revenue-generating customers and ranked in the top 25 of the largest Milwaukee area manufacturing firms by Business Journal of Milwaukee. MGS Mfg. Group has been nominated for the Mega-sized Company Grand Award.

Nelson Container Corporation

Nelson Container Corporation is a manufacturer of custom engineered corrugated packaging and is the leading, innovative supplier of packaging to industrial manufacturers in a regional market. The company employs 40 hard-working Wisconsinites who have the ability to quickly design and deliver functional packaging solutions to customers in the following markets: medical/healthcare, electronics, manufacturing/industrial, food, promotional, and consumer. Bruce Gierach, Sourcing Leader of GE Healthcare, and Tom Gibson from Rock-Tenn each separately nominated Nelson Container Corporation for the Small-sized Company Grand Award.

Northwoods Paper Converting, Inc.

Northwoods Paper Converting is a custom contract precision sheeting company specializing in converting fine paper, poly, vinyl, film, canvas, and paper board rolls into sheets for products such as CD holders, cereal boxes, books, magazines, and more. The mainstay of NPC lies behind the owner's commitment to purchase the best available precision machines and customize the machines to handle a wider variety of product, to hold tighter tolerances, and provide superb quality that exceeds customer expectations and is beyond what other converters can provide. NPC's technical expertise and engineering know-how has been the main contributor to the company's phenomenal success – the company has never lost a customer. NPC continually spends and reinvests its money with Wisconsin manufacturers with almost 95 percent of equipment expenditures from equipment manufactured in Wisconsin and over 60 percent of the packaging requirements are from materials manufactured in Wisconsin. Northwoods Paper Converting has been nominated for the Medium-sized Company Grand Award.

Patriot Taxiway Industries, Inc.

Patriot Taxiway Industries, Inc., a service disabled veteran-owned small business, was founded in 2007 in Lomira. Patriot Taxiway Industries is a leading innovator in the application of the light emitting diode (LED) to the aircraft, airfield, and portable security light markets worldwide. Patriot Taxiway Industries designs, manufactures, tests and supports lighting systems. The company designed and rapidly developed lifesaving aero medical light kits to support wounded soldiers on the frontlines in Iraq and Afghanistan. Patriot Taxiway Industries currently employs 13 team members, and actively recruits disabled veterans – they currently have three team members who are service disabled veterans. The company has been working on the design and implementation of LED/IR based runway approach light systems for the FAA. This project provides higher reliability and lower energy costs for over 900 airports nationwide. Patriot Taxiway Industries supports the Wounded Warrior Program, the Annual Make-a-Wish flight, the VFW, the American Legion, and the Polish Legion of American Veterans. Patriot Taxiway Industries has been nominated by Dean Perlick, Manager of Planning and Economic Development of Dodge County Revolving Loan Fund, for Small-sized Company Grand Award.

Plexus

Plexus, headquartered in Neenah, is the industry leader in servicing mid-to-low volume, higher complexity customer programs characterized by unique flexibility, technology, quality, and regulatory requirements. These programs include mechanical, electronic and software design, printed circuit board development, prototyping services, new product introduction, material procurement and supply chain management, printed circuit board and higher level assembly, test development, in-circuit and functional testing, final system box build, fulfillment, service, and repair. The company's award-winning customer service is provided to over 130 branded product companies in the networking/communications, medical, industrial/commercial and defense/security/aerospace market sectors. Plexus has four manufacturing facilities, a design center, and their global headquarters in Wisconsin. The company employs 2,078 Wisconsinites and 9,012 in total. Plexus is committed to retaining their manufacturing presence in Wisconsin as they strive to deliver to their customers' global product fulfillment strategies. Plexus has been nominated for the Mega-sized Company Grand Award.

Phillips Plastics Corporation

Phillips Plastics Corporation designs and contracts with manufactures to build components and finished products which are sold into defense, consumer, and automotive industries, drug delivery, and medical device markets. Phillips differentiates itself by investing in advanced molding, automated assembly, and quality control technologies; in the people who design and industrialize products; and in the quality systems and equipment that ensure Phillips exceeds customer expectations. In August of 2011, Phillips completed the acquisition of Medisize Corporation, a European-based outsource provider of design and manufacturing services to pharmaceutical, diagnostic and medical device companies. The combined companies now employ over 2,100 people in 19 locations worldwide. In Wisconsin alone, there are 14 locations, employing 1,300 dedicated Wisconsinites. Phillips is also a leader in environmental sustainability. Phillips monitors energy usage, hazardous waste, universal waste, landfill waste streams, water, air emissions and many other topics on a path of continual improvement and environmental sustainable business practices. Phillips Plastics Corporation has been nominated for the Mega-sized Company Grand Award and the Sustainability Award.

Power Test, Inc.

Power Test, Inc. is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and sale of dynamometers, heavy equipment testing systems and related data acquisition and control systems. For thirty-five years, Power Test Inc. has marketed products to manufacturers, rebuilding facilities, and distributors in the mining, power generation, marine, trucking, construction, and government markets in over 80 countries. Power Test's headquarters and manufacturing operations are located in Sussex, employing 60 dedicated professionals. The company is working to create a new base of employees for the future through cross training existing manufacturing employees, sending high potential manufacturing employees through the Wisconsin Apprenticeship program, working with local high schools to better train students for careers in manufacturing, hiring new employees to increase capability in many areas, and creating an award winning Wellness Program to improve employee's quality of life and reduce healthcare costs. Not only does Power Test care for its employees, it also cares for its community. They have given monetary donations to over 30 charitable organizations, donated food harvested from the Power Test garden to local food banks, created the Destination Donation team of endurance athletes to generate awareness of the need for organ, tissue, and eye donation, and sent food to Tanzania as part of the Simple Hope program. Power Test, Inc. has been nominated by Dr. Kathleen Cooke, Superintendent, and Pete Ferge, Associate Principal and Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator, of Hamilton School District for the Small-sized Company Grand Award.

Realityworks

SCA Tissue North America

SCA's North American tissue division operates a paper mill in Menasha, a converting facility in Neenah, and its service excellence center in the Town of Menasha, employing 930 in Wisconsin. SCA is a global hygiene and paper products company that develops and produces personal-care products, tissue, packaging solutions, publication papers, and solid-wood products. SCA Tissue supplies Tork® brand paper napkins, tissue, towels, specialty wipers, dispensers, and soap used in commercial settings such as restaurants, office buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities. The company takes a holistic approach to sustainability, making and distributing its products in a way that fosters healthy people through better hygiene, and a healthy planet through environmentally progressive processes. Their Tork brand is at the core of the company's sustainability program. SCA Tissue North America has been nominated for the Mega-sized Company Grand Award and the Sustainability Award.

Schwabe North America

Schwabe North America, of Green Bay, is the largest worldwide manufacturer of ethical pharmaceuticals derived from plant substances. Schwabe North America is better known through its familiar brands, such as Alive!, Enzymatic Therapy, and Nature's Way. The company has a very strong cadre of leaders, and foremost among its key strategies is cultivating and sustaining ongoing learning for all associates, which have grown by over 125 in number in the Green Bay area over the last two years. Schwabe now has around 1,150 employees—400 from Wisconsin. Schwabe's nearly 1,200 products are distributed in over 40,000 retail outlets and via e-commerce retailers. While having expanded their manufacturing capacity significantly, and added new technology and new forms of product manufacturing capabilities, they have also dramatically increased their efficiencies and quality compliance through training and development of their work force. Schwabe's Quality and Operational teams meet and exceed the U.S. FDA's good manufacturing practices for dietary supplements and now are inspected by the FDA as a pharmaceutical manufacturer. Jessica Beckendorf, Associate Vice President of Economic Development of Advance/Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, nominated Schwabe North America for the Mega-sized Company Grand Award.

Sign Effectz, Inc.

Sign Effectz, Inc., of Milwaukee, specializes in custom fabrication, prototyping and testing, community approvals, installation, and service and maintenance of high quality signage. In 2011, the company grew to a total of 20 Wisconsin employees. Sign Effectz has implemented a program for recycling between 60 and 70 percent of their manufacturing processes and materials. The company embraces workforce development and employee growth by giving existing employees access to cross training. The leadership team is involved in volunteer hockey coaching, volunteering as treasurer and promotional coordinator for WIAA hockey team, donating signage to church, and donating to non-profit organizations in southeast Wisconsin. Sign Effectz, Inc. has been nominated for the Small-sized Company Grand Award.

Solaris, Inc.

Solaris, Inc. is a medical garment manufacturer specializing in providing home solutions for Lymphedema—a blockage of the lymph vessels that drain fluid from tissues throughout the body and allow immune cells to travel where they are needed, along with venous, and wound care management and treatment. They produce several varieties of standard size garments as well as a fully custom product line, Tribute, for Lymphedema. Tribute is available for every extremity and part of the body, and is individually manufactured based on the client's exact measurements and specifications. The focus at Solaris is customer service and the company takes great pride in building relationships with its customers. Solaris is located in West Allis and believes its greatest strength lies within its own employees, now employing 37 dedicated people. The company recently implemented a cross training program for all new full time hires to better serve its employees and customers with an even greater depth of resources and knowledge. Solaris has experienced tremendous growth – domestically and internationally - and has expanded its production facilities in each of the last two years in order to help meet this continually increasing demand. They have a unique approach to stewardship, and have created many programs within the company to offer its therapeutic garments at a reduced cost or no cost to individuals with special needs. The company sponsors many local charities and the Solaris team voted to eliminate the company Christmas party in favor of shopping for children, providing hundreds of gifts to those who might otherwise not receive a gift at Christmas. Chad Swalheim, Assistant Vice President of M&I, part of BMO Financial Group, Brookfield, nominated Solaris, Inc. for the Small-sized Company Grand Award.

Springs Window Fashions, LLC

Springs Window Fashions, of Middleton, has a long, successful heritage in the manufacture of innovative blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery hardware for the consumer's home under the brand names of Bali®, Graber®, and many private labels. With its flagship brands, Springs Window Fashions goes to market across five channels: retail, designer, commercial, internet, and international, and markets custom, stock, and drapery hardware products. They employ 4,774 employees worldwide, 574 of whom are in Wisconsin. The operations at the Middleton facility include injection molding, fabric pleating, plastics extrusion, metal stamping, and custom assembly. Springs Window Fashions continually work to eliminate waste, rework, and non-value-add tasks in their processes. Springs Window Fashions has been nominated for the Mega-sized Company Grand Award and the Sustainability Award.

Spuncast, Inc.

Spuncast, Inc. is a centrifugal foundry in Watertown producing steel, stainless steel, and high alloy castings. Over the years, the company has grown into a technically sound enterprise with a wide array of markets. Spuncast became a strategic partner with one of the world's leading manufacturers of mining and construction equipment. The company employs 205 dedicated people in Wisconsin. In 2008, the organization broke ground on a new foundry, specifically suited to automating the production of their mining products as well as expanding its capacity to produce larger, heavier, castings for new markets. In September 2010, the first metal was poured from the new factory. The productivity gains brought by state-of-the-art technology and excellent flow design put Spuncast on a path to reach new capacity gains. With the new foundry and increased demand in the existing facility, the company began a hiring campaign that still continues. Kim Erdmann, Executive Director of the Watertown Economic Development Corporation, nominated Spuncast, Inc. for the Medium-sized Company Grand Award. 

Stoughton Trailers, LLC

Stoughton Trailers, LLC designs, manufactures, and markets standard and customized truck trailers. Recognized as one of the highest quality trailer manufacturers in North America, their products include the composite plate, aluminum sheet and post, extra wide, grain hoppers, doubles vans and converter dollies, furniture vans, open top, specialty vans, domestic containers and chassis. The economic hardships of recent years did not exclude Stoughton Trailers. Their workforce had to be reduced from 1,600 to 250. Stoughton invested in automation as well as education of team members to come out of the recession stronger, leaner, and greener. The development of the team members allowed Stoughton to push waste out of the system and opened the door for cost improvements that made Stoughton return to one of the top five trailer manufacturers in North America. In addition to becoming leaner, Stoughton made several investments in energy efficiency to become greener, including energy efficiency compressors, dust collection systems, returnable/reusable packaging, energy efficient forklifts, wood recycling programs, energy efficient lighting installation for over one million square feet of manufacturing space, among many more updates. As Stoughton launched new products, the company was able to bring business back to America from China and in doing so, re-open their Evansville, Wisconsin facility. Stoughton Trailers has been able to rebuild their workforce from under 250 to over 800 Wisconsinites within less than two years. Stoughton Trailers, LLC has been nominated for the Mega-sized Company Grand Award and the Sustainability Award.

Superior Diesel, Inc.

Superior Diesel, Inc., of Rhinelander, was originally the John Deere diesel engine distributor for Wisconsin, Michigan, Northern Illinois, and Northwest Indiana. Superior Diesel initially provided replacement diesel engines for existing John Deere construction and agricultural equipment, as they needed to be replaced. As the company grew, they expanded to include diesel engines for customers outside the construction and agricultural markets. Superior diesel continued to identify additional opportunities, beyond the base engine, to provide value added solutions for customers that required additional components on the engines. The value added concept expanded as Superior Diesel targeted various original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like wood chippers, street sweepers, and forestry equipment manufactures that required more than the basic engine for their application. In 2001, Superior Diesel increased its area of responsibility to include a larger portion of Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Western Pennsylvania, and Western New York. Since then, they have added pump drives, planetary gears, transmission, and axles to provide complete drive train assemblies; in 2005, electronic controllers were added; and in 2009 hydraulic components were added, all based on the growing customer applications and complexity of the engine package. Superior Diesel partners with its customers to provide "engineering to order" products with state-of-the-art 3-D modeling of their equipment for the complete drive train solution including the engine and related components. Daniel Kuzlik, Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Extension Rhinelander, nominated Superior Diesel, Inc. for the Small-sized Company Grand Award.

TLX Technologies, LLC

TLX Technologies is an innovative, technology-centric manufacturer of customized electro-mechanical solenoid products headquartered in Waukesha. TLX originally manufactured high-speed digital valves for controlling the inflation of a vehicle air bag, but has since branched out and now produces technology for applications in the markets of fire protection, automotive, medical, aerospace, and others. The company employees 40 people in Wisconsin who strive to continuously develop unique and progressive technology to provide exceptional opportunities for growth and expansion within established and emerging markets. TLX Technologies' complex, innovative technology offers the advantage of faster response times, higher efficiency, increased accuracy, higher temperature tolerance, lower costs, and a smaller footprint. The diversity of their market infiltration has allowed the company to weather market fluctuations during the recent economic downturn while reducing liabilities, and allowed TLX to experience steady growth. They take a very customer-focused approach in designing and manufacturing solenoids, and work with customers as part of their team, lending their expertise in solenoid design to deliver a product that meets or exceeds their expectations. TLX Technologies takes great pride in being a Wisconsin business and have a vested interest in seeing Wisconsin's economy grow, and in helping organizations in their community. TLX Technologies has been nominated for the Small-sized Company Grand Award.

Walker Forge, Inc.

Walker Forge, Inc., of Clintonville, uses closed-die forging presses turning out high-quality steel components and heat treat furnaces that enhance the properties of metal components to meet the rising demand and needs of regional customers. Walker Forge has enjoyed workforce growth from 217 in 2009, to 404 Wisconsin employees in 2011. Besides a commitment to directly create nearly 80 jobs in expansion, dozens of additional jobs have already been added or are being created among contractors and suppliers. Walker Forge has been recognized with the 2011 Clintonville Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award. The company is very proud of its Wisconsin workers and their dedication to tackle problems, accept risks, and work hard to serve their customers better while taking individual responsibility for seeking new ways to reduce costs, improve productivity, and maximize quality. The company has incorporated advanced Coordinate Measuring Machine inspection capability right into the process on the plant floor, implemented automation and robotics in every possible area, and has brought high-speed machining capability to cut time and costs from customers' value streams. Walker Forge, Inc. has been nominated for the Large-sized Company Grand Award.

Waukesha Metal Products

Waukesha Metal Products, of Sussex, is an international full service provider of metalforming services including custom metal stamping, sheet metal fabrications, and in-house precision tooling. During the 2009 recession, Waukesha Metal Products maintained a strong balance sheet and agile business model. The company acquired Parkview Metal Products, Inc., of Illinois, and strategically positioned itself as a world-class metalforming supplier serving a diversified customer base. In 2011, Waukesha Metal Products acquired Metal Skills Plus, LLC of DeForest, a sheet metal fabricator whose business will be folded into their Grafton fabrication operation. Waukesha Metal Products has experienced tremendous growth over the past few years due to solid customer relationships, quality of service, on-time delivery, best cost competitiveness and opportunistic acquisitions. Fifty percent of the products manufactured by WMP are exported to 34 different countries around the world. Waukesha Metal Products has been nominated for the Small-sized Company Grand Award.

Weldall Mfg., Inc.

Weldall Mfg., Inc., of Waukesha, is a full-service metal fabricating job shop specializing in medium to heavy weldments by AWS Certified Welders. Their skilled workforce of 262 Wisconsinites is capable of the processing of parts, manual or robotic welding, medium to large CNC machining and the assembly of customers' components. Weldall recently completed a 76,000 square foot addition to its facility and has doubled their workforce in the past year. Weldall has committed to the following business drivers: offer differentiated products and services; maintain overall flexibility to think outside the box to meet truly unique customer requirements; continuously re-invest in the company, whether in human capital or new equipment, to increase efficiency, quality, and capability; a constant drive to increase both their community and environmental stewardship; and to provide a safe environment and open-door communication that drives a culture of strong employee engagement. Pam Belongia, Sales Representative at WorkWise, Inc., nominated Weldall Mfg., Inc. for the Medium-sized Company Grand Award.

Winsert, Inc.

Winsert, Inc., of Marinette, is a supplier of engineered alloy solutions for mission-critical components. During the global economic recession of 2008-2009, Winsert saw its sales deteriorate almost 67 percent. Rather than just fighting to survive, the company saw this as an opportunity to become stronger. Through organized efforts and sacrifice, Winsert is now experiencing substantial growth for the second time in as many years with more good things on the horizon. Winsert continuously focuses on product diversification in the global marketplace, crossed-trained production teams, an aggressive partnership-based sales approach, and a strong commitment to company values. The company is not only pushing to make a positive impact in the industries they serve, but they also strive to make a positive impact in and around the neighboring communities. On a global scale, Winsert is known as an alloy solution provider to solve high wear, temperature, and/or corrosion problems, but at home, they are known as a "family" of employees and a company who goes the extra mile to help their community through charitable giving and sponsorships. Winsert employs 178 people—all but two are from Wisconsin. Winsert has been nominated for the Medium-sized Company Grand Award.

Wisconsin Film and Bag

Wisconsin Film and Bag, of Shawano, is a leading manufacturer of high quality, virgin resin and recycled content, custom, film and bags. The company's products are used in industrial and food applications including furniture bags, box liners, shrink bundling film, and pallet covers. The products are designed to protect and/or transport products. In September of 2010, the company expanded its operations with the lease of an additional 65,000 square feet for its new post-consumer, plastic film recycling center. This location focuses on decontaminating and reprocessing of post-consumer, industrial film scram for use in the company's like of ECO Blend™ recycled content film and bag packaging for industrial applications. The company competes on four fronts: consistently reliable products; short lead times; service; and recycled content film and bags. Wisconsin Film and Bag employs 118 workers, almost all in Wisconsin. Jessica Beckendorf, Associate Vice President of Economic Development at Advance/Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, nominated Wisconsin Film and Bag for the Medium-sized Company Grand Award. 

Wiscraft, Inc.

Wiscraft, Inc., of Milwaukee, is a not-for-profit company with a goal of providing employment opportunities to people who are legally blind. Wiscraft employs people who are blind in their machine shop, assemply and packing, and communication center business units. They employ 40 employees, all from Wisconsin, and as of October 2011, 64 percent of all Wiscraft employees are legally blind and 86 percent of their production staff is legally blind. With more than 100 years of manufacturing in Wisconsin, Wiscraft has established significant business relationships throughout the state and is dedicated to sourcing those products that are crucial to their business within the State. Wiscraft manufactures and sells products that are sold nationwide – many of which are used internationally by the company's federal government customers. Wiscraft employees have a feeling of success, an increased awareness of the importance of a job done well, and a heightened level of pride and independence. In addition, the jobs that Wiscraft provides to individuals who are blind reduce dependence on entitlement programs, upon which many employees would otherwise rely. Reducing the dependence on entitlement programs at the national and state level reduces tax burden and helps allow Wisconsin foster a more pro-business climate. Wiscraft has nearly doubled the size of the organization Since 2006. Wiscraft has been nominated for the Small-sized Company Grand Award.

WS Packaging Group, Inc.

WS Packaging Group, Inc., of Green Bay, has more than forty-five years of experience in printing and flexible packaging and is one of the largest label converting operations in North America. The company produces high-quality packaging products for customers ranging in size from small businesses to large, high-volume manufacturers, and consumer product goods companies doing business locally, nationally, and in marketplaces worldwide. WS Packaging has built its success on its ability to continually introduce new and innovative products and technologies to the packing industry. Their customers typically have a solid foundation of the message they want to convey, but it is up to WS Packaging to bring their brand, concepts, and packaging to life. The company employs 1,744 workers, 955 of whom are in Wisconsin. WS Packaging Group, Inc. has been nominated for the Mega-sized Company Grand Award and the Sustainability Award.

Xten Industries
Xten Industries, of Kenosha, is an injection molder with the ability to incorporate plastic parts and other components to produce complete products for customers which are shipped locally and around the globe. As an award-winning manufacturer, Xten is equally skilled at making tight tolerance molded parts, running short run productions, in-mold decorating, or manufacturing complete customer products. Xten Industries employs 90 dedicated people, and cares about delivering high-quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations, as well as caring for the environment. Over the last four years, due to cross company efforts, Xten has reduced annual energy usage by an average of 32 percent and a reduction in corrugated cardboard, resin, and similar waste otherwise destined for landfill or recycling topped 14 percent. They describe their growth objectives as "responsible profitability." Jessie Hagen, Vice President of Ridgestone Bank, nominated Xten Industries for the Small-sized Company Grand Award and the Sustainability Award.