NBT commends manufacturing’s finest contributors at inaugural awards gala

Elgin, Ill.-based Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT), the foundation of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Intl., held its inaugural awards gala Oct. 24 to celebrate the philanthropic gifts and dedication to NBT’s mission exemplified by the award finalists. Each of the three awards presented—Power of Industry, Impact on Industry, and Future of Industry—represents a recognition of outstanding generosity bestowed to the foundation and exemplary achievements for ensuring a thriving manufacturing workforce for the future.

Vivek Gupta, president of Texas ProFab Corp., a precision sheet metal fabricator and finisher located in Carrollton, Texas, received the Power of Industry Award acknowledging his passion for advancing the future of the fabrication and manufacturing industry. In 2010 Gupta and his family established the U.K. Gupta & Family Scholarship Endowment fund with NBT. To date the endowment has funded more than 13 scholarships totaling $25,500. He commits his time and efforts to support programs that encourage the next generation to pursue careers in manufacturing, and his generous donations to NBT help ensure a pipeline of skilled workers for the advanced manufacturing industry of tomorrow. /p>

The Impact on Industry Award was presented to Miller Electric Mfg LLC, based in Appleton, Wis., and wholly owned by Illinois Tool Works. The company was recognized for its commitment to the metals manufacturing industry through its leadership involvement with NBT, its financial support of the summer manufacturing camp program, and the dedicated support of philanthropic efforts the company embraces. Over the past several years, Miller’s generous support of NBT has been extensive, including an annual gift of $10,000 to support summer manufacturing camps in Wisconsin; participation at GOLF4MFG; equipment donations to schools that host NBT camps; and allowing time for employees to serve on the boards of FMA and NBT, among other charitable organizations.

Itawamba Community College received the Future of Industry Award in recognition of hosting an NBT summer manufacturing camp program for the past nine years, as well as its innovative approach to solving the skills gap by educating the educators. Student campers are exposed to modern manufacturing while learning about the available careers and salaries the industry offers. The camp for teachers helps technical educators learn how to mentor their students to encourage them to choose a manufacturing career.

The event also included a metal art auction featuring one-of-a-kind art pieces contributed by professional and student metalworking artisans from across the country. In the live auction, gala attendees bid on a variety of metal art items, from jewelry to wall hangings to a pair of candlesticks created by world-renowned artist Albert Paley.