The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) has named Morbark, LLC, parent company of Boxer Equipment, President James W. Shoemaker Jr. the 2016 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award recipient for large tier companies.
Now in its 35th year, the Award program recognizes manufacturers for their dedication to community service, issue advocacy and their role as a symbol of the positive work being done by the manufacturing industry. The large tier category award is presented to a company with 200 or more employees.
“I’m deeply honored,” Shoemaker says. He joined Morbark in 2003 as Director of Operations before being promoted to Vice President of Operations, and then was appointed President in 2011.
“Jim Shoemaker is a great example of what it means to be a Michigan manufacturer, and he has helped position Morbark, LLC, as a top manufacturer in the state,” said Chuck Hadden, President and CEO of the MMA. “Every recipient of the Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award carries on the memory of John G. Thodis, MMA’s longest-serving CEO. John believed that manufacturers were more than just innovators within their facilities; they are also leaders in their community. He would be proud to see Jim carrying on that great tradition.”
The John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award recipients will be honored at the 2016 Manufacturing Forum on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. The event will be held at the Cobo Center in Detroit and will be attended by manufacturing executives, top issue experts and leaders from across Michigan.