The Indiana Manufacturers Association (IMA) announced that it is accepting nominations for the 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Awards, which honor Indiana companies and individuals for their outstanding work, exceptional contributions, and impact on the future of manufacturing in Indiana.
The awards are open to all manufacturers in Indiana. Anyone may nominate an individual/company active in Indiana’s manufacturing industry, and self-nomination is encouraged. Nominations close April 30, 2026.
To nominate a company/individual, visit the IMA's Manufacturing Excellence Awards web page.
The awards will be presented at the IMA Manufacturing Day Celebration on September 30, 2026, held at the Biltwell Event Center, in Indianapolis. Tickets for the event are available HERE.
The IMA is also seeking sponsors for the Manufacturing Excellence Awards and MFG Day Celebration luncheon event. Those interested in sponsoring may visit the IMA MFG DAY Celebration webpage or contact Emily Darwish at edarwish@indianamfg.com.
Nominations for the awards in the following categories are open:
Community Impact Award (Indiana manufacturing company): This award recognizes a company that has shown exemplary leadership in serving its community or the state and is an example of the involved and giving nature of manufacturers. The winning application will have demonstrated a strong commitment to community service, as reflected in their company policy, resources, and employee participation, as well as a strong relationship with the IMA and/or other organizations, and examples of these efforts.
Emerging Leader Award (individual in the Indiana manufacturing industry): This award recognizes and honors a new manufacturing leader who has been involved in the industry for less than 10 years. The Emerging Leader award is bestowed upon someone for exceptional contributions to the industry and the potential for future accomplishments within Indiana manufacturing. The award also signifies distinguished service to the IMA and/or other professional organizations, as well as the pursuit of continued professional development and participation in community and civic affairs.
Lifetime Achievement Award (individual in the Indiana manufacturing industry): This award honors an individual who has excelled in the manufacturing industry. This individual has worked in the manufacturing industry for the majority of their career and has made significant contributions to his/her company, industry, community, the IMA, and/or other professional organizations.
Manufacturing Talent Champion Award (company/individual/entity involved in the manufacturing industry): This award recognizes a company or individual who has worked to bring focus to the critical need of attracting Indiana’s next generation workforce to the variety of career options within manufacturing.
Outstanding Woman Leader in Manufacturing Award (individual): This award recognizes and honors a female manufacturing leader who has been involved in the industry for at least 15 years. The Outstanding Woman Leader in Manufacturing Award is bestowed upon a woman in the manufacturing field for exceptional contributions to the industry and the potential for future accomplishments within Indiana manufacturing. The award also signifies distinguished service to the IMA and/or other professional organizations, as well as the pursuit of continued professional development, participation in community affairs, and the mentorship of women hoping to enter the field.
Safety Champion Award (company or individual): The Safety Champion Award recognizes a company or individual who has developed/shown: 1) New or innovative methods for safety implementation; 2) Excellence in safety program implementation / management; 3) Demonstrated improvement in a safety program; 4) Consistent safety performance over time; and 5) Demonstrated commitment to creating a zero-injury workplace safety environment at their facility.
