Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1544217
wbjournal.com | April 6, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 19 General Manufacturing Excellence - Large Business Category Coghlin Cos., in Westborough ................................................... Page 20 General Manufacturing Excellence – Small Business Killeen Manufacturing – Killeen Security Products, in Auburn ... Page 20 Product Innovation Waters Corp., in Milford ............................................................ Page 20 Workforce Development & Productivity The L.S. Starrett Co., in Athol .................................................... Page 20 Collaboration in Manufacturing LRP Recycling, in Holliston ........................................................ Page 21 Rising Star Powders on Demand, in Worcester and Leominster .................. Page 21 Green Manufacturing GLASS LAB, Inc., in Whitinsville ................................................ Page 22 Product Design Metamagnetics Inc., in Marlborough ......................................... Page 22 Manufacturing Champion – Executive Gina Melendez of Hudson Lock, in Hudson ............................... Page 23 Manufacturing Champion – Advocate Jon Weaver of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives ................ Page 23 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Awards C entral Massachusetts has long been defined by manufacturing. From the mills powering the region's early economy to today's advanced production floors, making things has remained a constant. What has changed is how that work gets done, and who is doing it. is year's Manufacturing Excellence Awards highlight a sector constantly evolving, oen quietly, but with significant impact: $6.5 billion in economic output to Central Massachusetts each year. Across this section, you'll find companies scaling new technologies, refining decades-old processes, and building the workforce needed to sustain both. Some are global firms producing tools used in laboratories and defense systems around the world. Others are small, growing operations finding new ways to recycle materials, improve production, and bring niche products to market. What connects them is a focus on execution. Several of this year's honorees are investing heavily in training, creating clearer pathways for employees to advance and take on more responsibility. Others are strengthening the systems behind their operations: improving planning, reducing inefficiencies, and building more consistent processes. ese efforts are less visible than a new product launch but just as critical to long-term success. Manufacturers are working more closely with suppliers, customers, schools, and government partners to solve problems no single organization can address alone. Whether it's developing new materials, building regional workforce pipelines, or scaling emerging industries, that coordination is becoming a defining feature of the sector. ey reflect a manufacturing base that is not standing still, serving as the backbone of the Central Massachusetts economy. To further honor these winners, please join us at the Central Mass. Manufacturing Summit & Awards the aernoon of April 30. Head to WBJournal.com to register. – Brad Kane, editor MANUFACTURING S U M M I T & EXCELLENCE AWARDS WBJ Worcester Business Journal GLASS LAB, Inc. W MANUFACTURING F O C U S The L.S. Starrett Co.