FOXBOROUGH, MA – Senate President Karen E. Spilka is honored to announce that Esco Tool is a 2026 recipient of the “Manufacturer of the Year” Award presented by the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus. This award is given in recognition of outstanding leadership skills in the manufacturing industry. The company was presented with this award at the 11th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, October 27 at the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.
Each year, the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus hosts the Manufacturing Awards Ceremony to highlight many of the Commonwealth’s most noteworthy manufacturers and celebrate their successes as leading manufacturers in the industry. This recognition is reserved for Commonwealth manufacturers that exemplify what it means to “make it in Massachusetts” and propel their industry towards continued growth and innovation. This year, over 45 diverse manufacturers were selected by legislators from across the Commonwealth to be recognized at the awards ceremony.
Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes more than 60 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees, encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources, and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors. The Caucus is chaired by Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) and Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-Foxborough).
The Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up, where the awards were hosted, is a conference run by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing to kick off October’s manufacturing month. The Mash-Up is an opportunity for partners and industry to come together to help accelerate advanced manufacturing and celebrate all our successes here in the Commonwealth. The event offers numerous opportunities to meet new businesses or partners, find the resources to help our manufacturers succeed, and gain the knowledge to join the advanced manufacturing world in which we now operate.
“Massachusetts is host to an exciting array of manufacturing businesses, and it’s fitting that we take time today to recognize some outstanding leaders,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. “I’m proud to live in a state that supports local productivity, whether it’s ESCO Tool creating pipe fabrication equipment in the district I’m proud to call home, or a local printing company or bakery down the street. There’s a lot going on in Massachusetts. Congratulations to all the awardees, and sincere thanks to Senator Feeney, Representative Roy, and the Manufacturing Caucus for promoting some of Massachusetts’ biggest strengths.”
“From groundbreaking work in the life sciences industry, to unparalleled innovation in the production of renewable energy, to the development of game changing technology across so many sectors of our economy, Massachusetts has a manufacturing industry to be incredibly proud of,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Leader Roy, Senator Feeney, and the Manufacturing Caucus, as well as partners like MassTech’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing and MassMEP for the work that they continue to do to ensure that the manufacturing industry in Massachusetts can continue to grow and succeed.”
“Massachusetts manufacturers turn ideas into products that power our economy and create meaningful career opportunities across the state,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “Today’s honorees show the range of talent and ingenuity in this industry. We are grateful to the Legislature, including the Manufacturing Caucus, for their collaboration in helping manufacturers access the equipment, skilled workers and resources they need to grow in Massachusetts.”
“Massachusetts has a proud history of manufacturing excellence, and the companies we recognize today are carrying that legacy forward through innovation, grit, and an unwavering commitment to their workforce and communities,” said Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-Foxborough). “From small, family-owned businesses to industry leaders developing the technologies of tomorrow, manufacturers across the Commonwealth are creating good-paying jobs, strengthening our economy, and weaving new ideas into the Commonwealth’s fabric of innovation. I am proud to join my friend and Co-Chair of the Legislative Manufacturing Caucus, Representative Jeff Roy, in celebrating this year’s honorees and recognizing the skilled workers who make this progress possible.”
“I was proud to join my colleagues in recognizing these Manufacturers from across Massachusetts,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). “Their innovation, craftsmanship, and job creation are driving contributions to the Commonwealth’s economy that strengthen our communities and ensures that Massachusetts remains a leader in advanced manufacturing. All of these companies personify what it means to “make it in Massachusetts.”
“The Massachusetts manufacturing sector gathered Tuesday at the annual Mash-Up to celebrate the creativity and originality of the sector,” said CAM Director Lily Fitzgerald. “From technology that helps defend the nation, advance innovative ideas and improve daily life, Massachusetts manufacturers create the products that matter.”
“Manufacturing is a cornerstone of Massachusetts’ economy, contributing nearly 8% of the state’s GDP and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. At MassMEP, we help manufacturers innovate, adopt advanced technologies, and grow. We appreciate Senator Feeney’s continued support and partnership in strengthening our manufacturing ecosystem and ensuring Massachusetts remains a place where manufacturers can thrive,” said Kathie Mahoney, President, MassMEP.
