Mate Precision Tooling named '2009 Manufacturer of the Year'

Anoka, Minn.-based Mate Precision Tooling, a global manufacturer of original and replacement tooling for CNC punch presses, was named "2009 Manufacturer of the Year" by the Manufacturers Alliance.

In making the award, the Manufacturer's Alliance said Mate was selected for exemplifying the true meaning of excellence through its openness in sharing experiences and information to strengthen the local manufacturing community. The Manufacturer's Alliance is a Minnesota association whose mission is to promote peer-to-peer training, education, and resources that allow manufacturers to continually grow, improve, and remain competitive.

"Earning the prestigious 2009 Manufacturer of the Year award is really an honor," said Kevin Nicholson, Mate president. "We are very pleased to be recognized and believe our willingness to share our knowledge and best practices will help other manufacturers succeed, especially in this difficult manufacturing environment."

The Manufacturer's Alliance evaluated Mate for its best practices including: educational presentations to manufacturers, peer benchmarking programs, plant tours, publication of technical manufacturing articles, and involvement in manufacturing-related organizations. Mate received the honor at the recently held Annual Manufacturer of the Year awards ceremony.