ALABAMA MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR AWARD
2026 Awards Ceremony
MONTGOMERY, Ala. –
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA), Alabama Training Network (ATN), and Manufacture Alabama are proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Alabama Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards.
Now in its 27th year, the Manufacturer of the Year Awards recognize Alabama manufacturers for excellence in leadership, performance, innovation, and workforce development. Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges based on criteria including customer focus, employee commitment, operational excellence, continuous improvement, profitable growth, and investment in training and development.
Awards are presented in four categories: small, representing manufacturers with 99 or fewer employees; medium, with 100 to 399 employees; large, with 400 or more employees; and emerging, recognizing a company that has been in operation for 10 or fewer years and has demonstrated superior performance.
For nearly three decades, the Manufacturer of the Year Awards have celebrated the companies, employees and industry leaders who help drive Alabama’s manufacturing economy. The 27th annual awards luncheon was held Thursday, October 1, in Montgomery, marking the start of National Manufacturing Month and bringing together manufacturers and business leaders from across Alabama.
The recipients of the 2026 Alabama Manufacturer of the Year Awards are as follows:
Large Manufacturer of the Year (400 Or More Employees)
AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company, Birmingham
Originating in Birmingham more than a century ago, AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company has grown to be an influential capital-goods manufacturer with 16 manufacturing and research facilities in ten states. The AMERICAN family of companies manufactures ductile iron pipe, spiral-welded steel pipe, valves and hydrants for the waterworks industry and steel pipe for the energy industry. The company’s diversified product line also includes fire pumps, structural casing and piling, castings for large machinery and specialty rubber products.
Medium Manufacturer of the Year (100 To 399 Employees)
Evonik Birmingham Laboratories
Evonik goes beyond the boundaries of chemistry with its combination of innovative strength and leading technological expertise. The global chemical company, headquartered in Essen, Germany, is active in more than 100 countries and generated sales of €14.1 billion and earnings (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.9 billion in 2025. The common motivation of the approximately 31,000 employees is to provide customers with a decisive competitive advantage with tailor-made products and solutions as a superforce for industry, thereby improving people’s lives. In all markets. Every day.
Small Manufacturer of the Year (1 To 99 Employees)
JIT Industries, Hartselle
JIT Industries was founded in 2001 by Ginger and Matt McComb in Hartselle, AL. Over the past 25 years, JIT has grown from a single hydraulic repair and manufacturing facility into a full-service fluid power company with seven locations across the Southeast. While our company has grown significantly, our approach has stayed the same: put customers first, build lasting relationships, and continually invest in the people, equipment, and facilities that allow us to better serve them. Today, JIT Industries combines the experience and personal service of a company built from the ground up with the capabilities and resources to support heavy industry customers throughout the USA and the world.
Emerging Manufacturer of the Year (Operations of 10 or Less Years)
Kaishan Compressor USA, Loxley
Kaishan Compressor USA is committed to Engineering the Future through innovation, workforce development, and continued investment in Alabama. Since establishing operations in Loxley, we have created quality jobs, expanded our manufacturing facilities, and strengthened Alabama’s advanced manufacturing sector through initiatives such as Terravanta Power Systems. Our compressed air solutions support critical industries, helping manufacturers operate efficiently and remain competitive. We are equally committed to our employees, offering professional development, career advancement opportunities, and a gainsharing program that returns more than 23% of company profits directly to our workforce. Through continued investment in our people, technology, and community, Kaishan is proud to help drive Alabama’s economic growth and manufacturing future.