Buffalo's manufacturing industry was in the spotlight last night as the city celebrated its finest at the 2023 Manufacturing Awards. The prestigious event, held annually, recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions by local manufacturers in various categories.
This year's sustainability winners showcased innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality production. GreenTech Industries took home the award for its groundbreaking eco-friendly packaging solutions, which have reduced waste by up to 60 percent on average.
Susan Thompson, CEO of GreenTech Industries said, "We are honored to receive this recognition for our commitment towards sustainable practices. Our team has worked tirelessly to develop innovative ways to minimize our carbon footprint."
Operational excellence is a key component of successful manufacturing businesses, and this year’s winners demonstrated exceptional improvements in efficiency and productivity. Bison Precision Tools emerged victorious with their advanced machinery systems that increased overall output without sacrificing quality or worker safety.
"Our continuous focus on refining our processes has led us here today," stated Peter Williams, COO of Bison Precision Tools during his acceptance speech. "We are proud of what we've accomplished so far but remain dedicated to further improving operational excellence within our organization."
The general excellence category saw fierce competition between some of Buffalo’s most well-respected manufacturers; however, it was SteelWorks Inc., whose diverse range of products combined with excellent customer service won them top honors.
Caroline Lee, president of SteelWorks Inc., accepted the award saying, "I would like to dedicate this honor not only to my executive team but also all employees who contribute every day towards making SteelWorks an industry leader."
In a category where values such as tradition and heritage play significant roles, Reliance Metal Works stood out amongst family-run businesses for their continued growth over four generations.
John Patterson, the current CEO, and great-grandson of the company's founder remarked, "Our family has been committed to producing quality products for over a century. This award is a testament to our ancestors' vision and their dedication towards excellence in manufacturing."
Finally, innovation winners were celebrated for their cutting-edge technological advancements that have revolutionized the local manufacturing landscape. Buffalo-based TechFab Solutions received this coveted accolade for their breakthrough 3D-printing technologies that have transformed various industries including automotive, aerospace, and medical sectors.
Dr. Linda Rodriguez, CTO of TechFab Solutions expressed her gratitude saying, "Innovation is at the heart of what we do here at TechFab. We are proud to bring recognition back home to Buffalo."
The 2023 Manufacturing Awards showcased some remarkable talent within Buffalo's industry circles while highlighting how these organizations continue pushing boundaries across sustainability, operational efficiency, general excellence, family-run businesses and innovative practices.