In early 2017, I wrote that Fort Collins/Loveland had become Colorado’s top manufacturing community. The list of finalists for this year’s Colorado Manufacturing Awards (CMAs) suggests I wasn’t far off. Throw in Berthoud, Longmont, Greeley, and Fort Lupton, and 11 of the 37 finalists call northern Colorado home. This standout group reflects northern Colorado’s growing stature as a regional manufacturing powerhouse.
Yet the entire list of finalists, companies from a dozen manufacturing industries across the state, projects again what no single column or awards program can: Manufacturing is again an economic dynamo, a sector ripe with possibilities. From companies you know, to accomplished industry performers and upstart brands, manufacturing’s broad and deep comeback is the big takeaway from this year’s CMAs.
And we’re just getting started.
Join us in person on April 4 in Denver as we celebrate manufacturing and announce winners from the following head-turning group of finalists. As a bonus, we’ll peek across the border and recognize Manufacturers of the Year from Wyoming and New Mexico. And for the first time, we’ll acknowledge the singular work of three individuals and anoint a Manufacturing Advocate of the Year.
Finally, several Colorado trade groups have been integral to identifying worthy companies inside their memberships and out, companies that dot the list below. Their work in advancing the interests of their members and constituencies, and to advancing Colorado manufacturing, is key to this program. Thanks to all for just saying yes. Those partners are also listed below.
See you in April.
2019 Colorado Manufacturing Awards Finalists
Industrial/Equipment Manufacturer of the Year
Merritt Aluminum Products Company, Fort Lupton
StickerGiant, Longmont
Titan Robotics, Colorado Springs
Outstanding Craft Distiller
Distillery 291, Colorado Springs
Golden Moon Distillery, Golden
Laws Whiskey House, Denver
Bioscience/Medical Manufacturer of the Year
Cambrex, Longmont
Infectious Disease Research Center at Colorado State University, Ft. Collins
Osypka Medtec, Longmont
Outstanding Outdoor Industry Brand
Guerrilla Gravity, Denver
Ross Reels, Montrose
Topo Designs, Denver
Outstanding Cannabis Manufacturer
Green Dot Labs, Boulder
Medically Correct / incredibles, Denver
Wana Brands, Boulder
Builder/Construction Company of the Year
Encore Electric, Lakewood
RK, Denver
Tharp Cabinet Company, Loveland
Outstanding Food Brand
Boulder Organic Foods, Boulder
Teton Waters Ranch, Denver
Wild Zora, Loveland
Outstanding Consumer/Lifestyle Brand
Boyer’s Coffee, Denver
Voormi, Pagosa Springs
Vortic Watch Co., Ft. Collins
Outstanding Contract Manufacturer
Custom Microwave, Longmont
Ingram Machining, Broomfield
High Precision Devices, Boulder
Cogitic, Colorado Springs
Outstanding Craft Brewer
Odell Brewing Co., Fort Collins
TRVE Brewing Co., Denver
WeldWerks Brewing, Greeley
Aerospace/Electronics Manufacturer of the Year
Barber-Nichols, Arvada
Special Aerospace Services, Boulder
Wren Industries, Grand Junction
Energy Manufacturer of the Year
Bolder Industries, Boulder
CoorsTek, Golden
Solid Power, Louisville
Manufacturing Advocate of the Year
George Newman, Front Range Community College
Robin Kniech, Denver City Council, At-Large
Tom Neppl, Springs Fabrication
Thanks to our trade partners:
- Colorado Brewers Guild
- Colorado Distillers Guild
- Colorado Proud
- Colorado BioScience Association
- Colorado Cleantech Industries Association
- Rocky Mountain Tooling & Machining Association
- Colorado Space Business Roundtable
- CO Active
