NJMEP Announces ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day Award Finalists

The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) has announced the finalists for the 2025 ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day Awards, recognizing the outstanding contributions of manufacturers and individuals who are driving growth, innovation, and leadership across the state’s manufacturing sector.

The finalists represent a wide range of industries and business sizes, all committed to excellence in operations, workforce development, product innovation, and community impact.

Winners will be announced live during the ‘MADE’ in NJ Manufacturing Day celebration on Friday, October 3 at the Event Center at iPlay America in Freehold.

“‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day is more than just an event—it’s a meeting place for the people who power New Jersey’s economy," said NJMEP CEO Peter Connolly. "Year after year, we see manufacturers from every corner of the state come together to share ideas, showcase their work, and celebrate the incredible impact they have on our communities.

"Congratulations to all the finalists—you represent the very best of innovation, resilience, and leadership in New Jersey manufacturing."

Here is the full list of finalists for the 2025 'Made in NJ' Manufacturing Day Awards:

Manufacturer of the Year – Large 

• Tilcon NY 

• Holt Logistics 

• Legrand (Middle Atlantic) 

• Hikma Pharmaceuticals 

Manufacturer of the Year – Medium 

• Ace Electronics Defense Systems  

• Virtex 

• UTRS Advanced Manufacturing, LLC  

• LPS Inudstries, LLC 

Manufacturer of the Year – Small 

• Modern Line Furniture Inc. 

• Web-Cote Industries 

• Old Hickory BBQ 

• Lobster Life Systems, Inc. 

• Triad RF Systems Inc. 

• GP Precision Inc.  

Life Science Leader Award 

• Geared Power 

• Hikma Pharmaceuticals 

• Case Medical, Inc. 

• Jewel Precision 

Innovator of the Year 

• Bestwork Industries for the Blind 

• Krell Technologies 

• Triad RF Systems Inc. 

• Zarbeco, LLC 

Rising Stars 

• Jackie Luciano – Zago Manufacturing  

• Cari August – Lightera 

• Colleen Shea – Pen Company America  

• Yana Katliarova – Modern Line Furniture Inc. 

• Melissa Graziano – Jewel Precision 

‘MADE’ in NJ Manufacturing Day brings together hundreds of manufacturers, industry stakeholders, government leaders, educators, and students for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and recognition. The event includes an awards ceremony, product displays, robotics demonstrations, breakout sessions, and—for the first time—moderated addresses from both 2025 gubernatorial candidates. 

To learn more and register for the event, visit NJMEP.org/MFGDay or contact events@njmep.org.