NJMEP Honors Companies and Individuals at Made in NJ Manufacturing Day

On Oct 6, 2023

The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) today awarded three businesses in the state with its annual Manufacturer of the Year Award. Presented at the 11th annual “Made in NJ Manufacturing Day” celebration and conference held at iPlay America in Freehold, the awards showcase businesses that: demonstrate leadership or innovation within their industry; demonstrate success through growth in revenues or profits; and are committed to the growth and development of their employees and community.

L-E-M Plastics & Supply, Inc. won the award in the Small Business category (1-50 employees). The Fairfield-based company is a woman-owned fabricator and distributor of raw material plastics, sheet, rod, tubing, and film. Lead by Ellen Pietrowitz-Philips, L-E-M is driven “by a passion for making things and being a part of something bigger.”

Bestwork Industries for the Blind, Inc. won in the medium-size business category (51-250 employees). The Cherry Hill-based company is a private, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to improving the quality of life for people who are blind by providing training and employment opportunities in a supportive work environment. Its core competencies include textile manufacturing, military apparel construction, paper converting, packaging, kitting, light assembly, warehousing and distribution, and commercial sewing.

Nipro Pharmapackaging Americas Corp. won in the large-size business category (251 or more employees). Established in 1954, the Millville-based company is a global manufacturer of comprehensive pharma packaging solutions for the life sciences industry. From glass tubing to finished products, the company commits its expertise and services to meet drug company requirements.

Besides the Manufacturer of the Year awards, companies and industry professionals were recognized at today’s event with other honors.

Case Medical, Inc. received the Innovator of the Year award. Founded in 1992, the Bloomfield-based company is a manufacturer of high-quality instrument processing products and services for the healthcare industry. Its products include: SteriTite® rigid, reusable medical device sterilization containers, MediTray® customizable instrument trays for sterilization, Case Solutions® and SuperNova® U.S. EPA Safer Choice labeled instrument chemistries, Case carts, and CaseTrak360® asset management software.

Weiss-Aug Group was honored as a Leader in Life Sciences. The East Hanover-based company excels in precision metal stamping, injection molding, value-added assembly solutions and tooling. It has been serving the medical device industry, automotive industry, and industrial sector for more than 50 years. It provides design, prototype, advanced engineering support, and manufacturing services, and prides itself in ensuring a seamless transition from prototype to production.

Micaela Alvarez received the Rising Star in Manufacturing Award. She is director of operations and engineering at Universal Nutrition, Inc., a leader in sports nutrition products and supplements. Alvarez is incredibly accomplished and a tremendous role model for women in the manufacturing field. She was selected for the Rising Star award because of her demonstrated leadership and ability in ensuring everyone understands the opportunities for growth within her team and the other departments at Universal.

Additionally, NJMEP presented the Made in NJ Honor Roll awards to non-manufacturers who have had a positive impact on the industry. This year’s honorees are:

• Pravina Raghavan, director, Hollings Manufacturing Extension Program
• Christina Renna, president & CEO, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey
• Senator Michael Testa
• Dr. Anthony Iacono, president, County College of Morris
• Aaron Fichtner, president, New Jersey Council of County Colleges
• Steven Gerber, ESQ., NJMEP Secretary Emeritus
• Robert Loderstat, CEO Emeritus, NJMEP

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