Salt Lake City, UT – On Friday November 7, 2025, manufacturers across the state of Utah gathered to celebrate what has turned out to be an unusual and eventful year. We understand that while it is only November, we wanted to have a night to celebrate all things manufacturing and reflect on the year we have had.
The event, sponsored by Utah Inland Port Authority, was held at the Utah State Fairgrounds Grand Building. Entering the expansive space, decorated by Lux Catering and balloon décor by Second Star Balloons, attendees had their choice of activities and beverages. The bar, sponsored by Marathon Petroleum, featured two signature themed cocktails and the dirty soda bar, sponsored by Select Health, featured a fun make your own drink feature. After receiving refreshments attendees could play games compliments of Cottonwood Millwork & Cabinets, create their own cowboy hat or bandana necklace at the Rancher Hat Bar at a generous discount courtesy of Merit Medical, or get a complimentary old west photo at our photobooth shot by published photographer Tawny Horton.
Once the evenings presentations were about to start everyone headed upstairs to the buffets by Lux Catering and settled to meet the award winners.
Big changes happened this year as we said goodbye to our leader Todd Bingham and wished him luck on his new adventure as the President/CEO of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry. We had to make sure to take a moment to honor the profound impact he made on the industry here in Utah along with his father Tom Bingham. From their leadership at UMA, along with other associations, to their support on the Hill, they have made a lasting impact on Utah. Governor Spencer Cox was present to honor and present Todd and Tom with kind words and commemorative awards, which we know he will display out there in Nebraska.
With the departure of Todd, we welcomed Johnny Ferry as the new President/CEO of the Utah Manufacturers Association (UMA). Formally of Honeyville Inc. and the past UMA board chair, we are excited for his ideas and leadership as we plan for 2026. Jumping right in he took the reigns as the MC for the annual manufacturing awards, sponsored by Rio Tinto and Utah-MEP, recognizing excellence across manufacturing.
Kicking off the awards was the grand unveiling of the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Utah winner. It was a close competition between SAE (Specialized Analysis Engineering) and Smith Optics with the winner coming out on top by a slim victory of 4%. A video compilation of the Top 4 companies was shown to show-off some of the coolest things made right here in the Beehive State. (View the videos on our YouTube channel) The competition sponsor DBD Investment Bank was represented by Iliya Zogovic along with Johnny and Utah Governor Spencer Cox to announce the winner by dramatically unrolling a banner with the winner. Smith Optics with their Smith 3D Imprint Collection were victorious!
We then moved on to recognized manufacturers in five different categories for which they submitted: Manufacturer of the Year, Manufacturing Leader of the Year, the Rising Star Award, Environmental Stewardship, and Company Culture. These awards were sponsored by Rio Tinto and Utah-MEP. There were also a few staff picked awards presented and a special presentation from UMA partner STEMheads.
Liam Brown, co-founder of STEMheads, took a few moments to recognize the winners of the STEMheads scholarships which will assist them in pursuing their careers in STEM. He then made a special presentation to Todd Bingham, naming him the STEMhead of the Year. He gave a passionate speech reflecting on Todd’s involvement in the creation of STEMhads and how the non-profit has grown. They ended the tribute with the customary selfie.
The staff picked awards were created to recognize outstanding service partners with UMA and one manufacturer who goes above and beyond with their involvement in the association. Starting with the Environmental Impact award given to Metro Group Recycling. This award recognizes the service partner who is above and beyond to assist Utah manufacturers with their sustainability goals. The Metro Group serve commercial and retail clients with a full range of recycling solutions, including container services, transloading, and brokerage. We then moved onto the Associate Partner of the Year which as a double win this year with Beehive Insurance and Select Health. Our long-standing partnership with Beehive Insurance and Select Health has elevated our ability to provide health benefits to assist manufacturers with their growth. Their dedication to the association health insurance program and their knowledge ensures that each company is given the best option when it comes to their health. Our final staff pick award was the MFG Partner of the Year which was awarded to Paramount Machine. This year they have been at the forefront of our events whether it be participating on a panel, providing a tour for government officials or stepping up to assist our newest Uniquely Abled Machinist program, they are a company we can count on.
Moving onto our submission awards we kicked off with the Environmental Stewardship awards. These awards are given to the company who exemplifies a drive and dedication to green efforts. This year’s winners were:
Company Culture was next on the awards docket. Recognizing those companies who are leaders in creating a culture where employees feel valued, confident, and passionate about the company’s mission. This year’s winners were:
We then moved on to our newest award, the Rising Star award. This award is presented to an individual who exemplifies the future of manufacturing. Their dedication and passion for creating or supporting manufacturing shows a bright future for the industry. This year’s winners were:
- Fisher Coleman, Cottonwood Millwork & Cabinets
- Brad Tebbs, Tovala
- Trinity Deollos, Paramount Machine
- Cole Windley, Wasatch Container
Following them, and hopefully inspired, we recognized the Leaders of the Year. These winners, nominated by their peers, inspire others to work collaboratively and creatively, and as an example of living and promoting strong company culture and changing the face of manufacturing in the state. This year’s winners were:
- Nate Walkingshaw, Torus (not pictured)
- Dallas Smith, Readywise Inc.
- Bruce Doty, RAM Aviation, Space & Defense
- Cassidy Kristensen, Rio Tinto
Finally, we recognized the giants in the house, the winners of the Manufacturers of the Year. These companies highlight the strength of manufacturing in Utah and are leaders in the industry. This year’s winners were:
Thank you to everyone who participated in our awards, who attended the gala, and overall who have supported the association and the industry this year. It was a year of changes, growth, and exciting new beginnings. Thank you again and we can’t wait to continue the work in 2026 and end the year on a high note.
To view photos of the event and download your award photos click here.
