Guest ContributorThe Arizona Manufacturers Council has announced the winners of the 2025 Manufacturer of the Year Awards, honoring standout companies and leaders driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth across the state’s booming manufacturing sector.
The annual awards recognize excellence in seven categories, celebrating manufacturers large and small that exemplify innovation, operational excellence, and commitment to their employees and communities.
“Arizona’s manufacturers continue to set the bar for excellence, whether they’re developing next-generation technologies, investing in their workforce, or strengthening the communities where they operate,” said Grace Appelbe, executive director of the Arizona Manufacturers Council. “This year’s honorees represent the innovation and leadership that make Arizona a national leader in manufacturing.”
2025 Award Winners
- Small Manufacturer of the Year — Swift Coat: A Tempe-based company using cutting-edge coating technology to make products like solar panels and glass more durable and energy efficient—helping other manufacturers improve performance and sustainability.
- Medium Manufacturer of the Year — Pure Wafer: A Prescott-based company that reclaims and reuses silicon wafers used in computer chips, supporting the semiconductor industry while reducing waste and production costs.
- Large Manufacturer of the Year — Axon: The Scottsdale-based public safety technology company known for its body cameras, software, and manufacturing excellence that continue to position Arizona as a hub for tech innovation.
- Arizona Success Story — Copper State Bolt & Nut Co.: A Phoenix-founded company that has grown from a local supplier to one of the Southwest’s leading distributors and manufacturers of fasteners and construction products.
- Excellence in Innovation — Associated Materials Innovation: A Yuma-based company recognized for pioneering new product development and process improvements that push the boundaries of manufacturing efficiency and design.
- Excellence in Sustainability — Four Peaks Brewing Company: Honored for its commitment to environmental responsibility and creative approaches to waste reduction, energy conservation, and community engagement.
- Champion of the Year — Kevin Thompson, Chairman, Arizona Corporation Commission: Recognized for advancing policies that strengthen Arizona’s energy reliability and competitive business environment.
For more than a decade, the Manufacturer of the Year Awards have celebrated the people and businesses shaping Arizona’s economic success. The 2024 honorees included Lucid Motors, Edwards Vacuum, Arizona Craft Beverage, AvaDent, CalPortland, and Leah Palmer of the Maricopa County Community College District.
Honorees will be recognized at the Manufacturer of the Year Awards Luncheon, hosted at Republic National Distributing Company on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
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