Sentry Equipment Receives Manufacturer of the Year Award


Oconomowoc Manufacturer Recognized with Grand Award

February 25, 2010, Milwaukee -- Eight Wisconsin companies received 2009 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards for outstanding achievements in manufacturing. On Thursday, the winning companies were announced at a black-tie awards dinner and program at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.

Sentry Equipment of Oconomowoc was recognized as the 2009 Manufacturer of the Year Grand Award Winner in the medium company category.

The Manufacturer of the Year Awards recognize Wisconsin companies that demonstrate a commitment to business excellence which has a positive impact on the company and the state, making Wisconsin a better place to live, work and play.

"It was fascinating reading the many stories of how people in many different businesses started and grew their companies. It was also inspiring as to how they all handled the most recent economic down turn," said Chuck Yanke, president of Vulcan Lead Products Company in Milwaukee, and one of 15 judges who selected the eight winners for this year's event. "Wisconsin should be very proud of the hard working, innovative companies that call this state home. The competition for these awards was tough; I think that is a testimony to the hard work put into the competition by each company."

Sentry Equipment Corporation started in 1924 making power plant components and milk evaporators for the Carnation Company. In 1959 they refocused their efforts toward the power generation industry and are now a global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of unique sampling systems and products for worldwide power and process industries.

As an employee-owned company, Sentry Equipment Corp. believes leadership means setting the pace in products and programs that set the bar higher each and every day for their industry, community, and employees. Last year saw an addition to their plant, where they employ state-of-the-art technology to manufacture their products while saving energy and increasing sustainability. Although their core competitive focus is on solving customer problems through technology, much of their financial success is a result of their efficient internal operations and lean processes.

Forty Wisconsin businesses were nominated for the 22nd annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards. An independent panel of judges, with representatives from business, education, government and the media, selected the 2009 Manufacturer of the Year Award winners. More information about the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards program can be found at www.wimoty.com.

The statewide recognition program is co-sponsored by Baker Tilly, one of America's largest accounting and advisory firms; Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, a preeminent Midwest-based law firm; and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's largest business association.

Complete Awards Listing:

Grand Awards

Oshkosh Corporation - Defense Division, Oshkosh - Grand Award, mega company category

American Orthodontics Corporation, Sheboygan - Grand Award, large company category

Sentry Equipment Corp., Oconomowoc - Grand Award, medium company category

Northwoods Paper Converting, Beaver Dam - Grand Award, small company category

Frito-Lay, Inc., Beloit - Grand Award, sustainability category

Special Awards

Mayville Engineering Company Inc. (MEC), Mayville - Special Award, "Community Involvement and Conservation Education"

Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Company, Inc., Manitowoc - Special Award, "Industry Perseverance"

Plastic Components, Inc., Germantown - Special Award, "Commitment to Community and Employees"

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