For Immediate Release
October 20, 2022
Contact:
Laura Brooks, [email protected], 606.584.4572
Lexington, KY. – The Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) announced the 2022 Manufacturer of the Year and Manufacturing Employee of the Year Award Winners at KAM’s Manufacturing Awards Luncheon this afternoon in Lexington.
“Manufacturing is a critical part of the Kentucky economy, not only sustaining high-wage, family-supporting careers and contributing billions to our economic growth but also providing the tools and technology that ensure Kentucky is an economic leader,” said KAM President and CEO Frank Jemley. “We are proud to recognize these individuals and companies for their impact on the state.”
The 2022 Kentucky Manufacturing Employee of the Year Award presented by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) winner is Tammy Jesse of Pegasus Industries and Packaging in Shelbyville, Kentucky.
“We are honored to present the 2022 Kentucky Manufacturing Employee of the Year Award and to showcase the tremendous qualities of Kentucky’s manufacturing employees. Congratulations to Tammy and to all of today’s winners,” said Dr. Paul Czarapata, President of KCTCS.
The 2022 Manufacturer of the Year Awards presented by Brown-Forman Corporation winners are:
Hallway Feeds, 2022 Manufacturer of the Year, Small Manufacturer Category
Evonik Corporation, 2022 Manufacturer of the Year, Mid-Size Manufacturer Category
Toyotetsu, 2022 Manufacturer of the Year, Large Manufacturer Category
“We congratulate the winners of the 2022 Manufacturer of the Year Awards and thank them for their contributions to Kentucky’s economy. Having these companies in Kentucky showcases how much manufacturing means to our Commonwealth,” said Dan Naes, Director of Brown-Forman Distillery Operations.
About the winners:
Tammy Jesse, Pegasus Industries and Packaging
Tammy Jesse, Quality Manager at Pegasus Industries and Packaging is a diligent, innovative, and valued member of the production team. Her extensive experience in continuous quality improvement is demonstrated every day as she brings well-defined, quality processes to every location she oversees.
Certified Six Sigma, Master Black Belt in Project Management, and a certified Lead Auditor for ISO-9001, Tammy is admired by the production, supervisory, quality, and leadership staff at Pegasus.
For her leadership, dedication, and continued impact at Pegasus Industries and Packaging we congratulate Tammy Jesse on being selected as the 2022 Manufacturing Employee of the Year.
Hallway Feeds, 2022 Manufacturer of the Year, Small Manufacturer Category
Established in 1964 in Lexington Kentucky, Hallway Feeds has earned a reputation for quality, customer success, and innovation in the equine feed industry.
Their success at the highest level of horseracing includes 15 Kentucky Derby winners and 2 Triple Crown winners. Hallway Feeds research-based approach to product development has led to several revolutionary innovations including Buffered Mineral Complex, Encompass, and Re-Leve.
A commitment to the environment through sustainability is part of how Hallway Feeds seeks to be a good corporate citizen. In addition to utilizing American made environmentally friendly packaging, a major solar energy project is underway that will eventually supply 75% of the electricity needed for their manufacturing facility.
The company leadership of Hallway Feeds is involved in many organizations on a local, regional, and national level including over 30 years with the American Feed Industry Association.
Because of their exceptional quality and success, commitment to environmental sustainability and service and leadership in the animal feed industry we congratulate Hallway Feeds with the 2022 Manufacturer of the Year Award in the small business category.
Evonik Corporation, 2022 Manufacturer of the Year, Mid-Size Manufacturer Category
Located in Calvert City Kentucky, Evonik Corporation specializes in developing chemical catalysts used in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and refining industry.
An example of innovation and leadership at Evonik is the recently created POST program. A site-wide initiate to provide a fun way for employees of all levels could make suggestions and call attention to good safety practices. This program has successfully raised employee engagement and initiated a significant shift towards a safety mindset and culture.
In addition to regular contributions to local community organizations Evonik Corporation recently started a program available to all employees for 1-day of paid volunteer time off to serve in the local community. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic Evonik also played a vital role in providing essential products, equipment, and technical support in the production of hand sanitizer.
Evonik Corporation employee JR Reynolds is an important advocate for manufacturing in western Kentucky as a founding member and current board member of Kentucky Lake Economic Development.
For their dedication to continuous improvement, innovation, and safety as well as their continued investment and support of the community we are pleased to present Evonik Corporation with the 2022 Manufacturer of the Year Award in the mid-size company category.
Toyotetsu, 2022 Manufacturer of the Year, Large Manufacturer Category.
Located in Somerset Kentucky, Toyotetsu America manufactures a wide variety of auto parts and is a major employer in the area providing opportunities for thousands of individuals with job stability, world-class benefits, and career advancement.
In the last year, Toyotetsu opened an all-new career center and shifted its hiring strategy to include significantly more direct hires. The shift has allowed new employees quicker access to benefits, more advancement, and training opportunities and in turn, builds better leaders for Toyotetsu in the future. A continuous focus on quality and improvement in its products has led to Toyotetsu receiving the “Excellent Quality Award” from Toyota 2 years in a row.
Toyotetsu is committed to improving the environment through innovation in production methods and equipment. Moving from hot stamping to cold stamping has not only reduced energy consumption and wastewater but has led to lighter and stronger parts. Toyotetsu is working towards a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030.
Not only do its employees volunteer and support many local community organizations but Toyotetsu is an advocate for manufacturing in the region by partnering with and sponsoring many initiatives including KY-FAME and $1,000 dollar scholarships for graduates of 4 local high schools.
Toyotetsu’s continued innovation, dedication to quality, and support of their local community make them the perfect selection for the 2022 Manufacturer of the Year Award in the large company category.
