Manufacturers’ Association Awards Ceremony Recognizes Leading Businesses,

John L. Grove Awarded Manufacturing Trailblazer Award

(York, PA) On May 22, 2024, The Manufacturers’ Association honored outstanding members and individuals at the Association’s 118th Annual Event at York College. The event included an inspiring keynote, “Fearless Leadership: Lessons from the Flight Deck,” from the First Female F-14 Tomcat Fighter Pilot in the U.S. Navy, and best-selling author, Carey Lohrenz!

The late John L. Grove was awarded the lifetime achievement award, the Manufacturing Trailblazer. Mr. Grove left an unmatched legacy for his community and the entire industry – known as the “Father” of the hydraulic crane industry and the “Founder” of the aerial lift industry. He was the founder of two global companies, Grove Manufacturing, now Manitowoc Crane in Shady Grove and JLG Lifts in McConnellsburg is now part of Oshkosh Truck, both in Franklin County. Today these companies employ 1,000’s and are global market leaders in their industries. John retired in 1993 from JLG with over 60 patents and was inducted into the national Hall of Fame of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers as well as many other awards and recognitions. He spent the rest of his life investing in his community including the establishment of the John L. Grove Medical Center in Greencastle and the Shippensburg University John L. Grove College of Business.

Specialty Granules, LLC was presented with the Manufacturer of the Year award. SGI’s Charmain Plant is the nation’s leader in mineral granules for roofing shingles, located in Blue Ridge Summit, Adams County and last year celebrated their 100th year in operation. The Charmian plant produces enough granules to protect approximately 1 million homes per year with asphalt shingles. Over the last year SGI hired 53 new employees, employing 165 at the site and invested $1.8 million in new cutting-edge production equipment. SGI is a recognized leader in the region for attracting and retaining their workforce – they invest in an apprenticeship program, extensive onboarding programs for new employees, and team leadership training through the Association. Justin Bushneck, Specialty Granules Site Manager accepted the award.

The three other awards last night included:

· The Manufacturing Innovator award to MRG Laboratories, a leader in grease testing and analysis. MRG was recognized for their work in new product development and deployed collaborative robotic technology as well as over $200,000 in research grants from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. Rich Wurzbach, CEO accepted the award for MRG Laboratories.

· The Partner of the Year award to the PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) for their work with the Association to support the growth of register apprenticeship programs by investing over $600,000 to program since 2018 and the Departments funding of $542,000 to the regional T.I.D.E to support the workforce of defense contractors. Accepting the award on behalf of the Department was Ryan Emerson, Director of Grants Division.

· The Community Investor award was presented to Hayman Studio, a marking agency in York County for over 73 years. The company was recognized for their community fundraising, donations, support services to non-profits and volunteers. President, Ryan Hayman, and the Hayman Studio team accepted the award.

The following organizations sponsored the awards program at the 118th Annual Event: Partner of the year sponsored by Women in Manufacturing Central PA Chapter, Community Investor sponsored by Solid Growth Properties, Manufacturing Innovator sponsored by Eckert Seamans, Manufacturer of the Year sponsored by Members 1st Credit Union and Manufacturing Trailblazer sponsored by UPMC.

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The Manufacturers' Association is on a mission to ensure that our region’s manufacturing sector not only survives but rebounds stronger than ever! We exist to ensure that critical knowledge is preserved, expanded, and shared with the manufacturing professionals of tomorrow. Founded in 1906, we are the voice of the industry for hundreds of member & non-member organizations in southcentral PA & northern MD. We support manufacturers with the knowledge they need to operate, hire & train smarter! Visit our website at www.mascpa.org