The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM) hosted its annual Manufacturing Awards Banquet on Thursday, October 2nd at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon to coincide with National Manufacturing Day. This celebration recognizes the critical contributions of manufacturers across the region and honors excellence in innovation, safety, environmental stewardship, community impact, and individual achievement.

This year’s event brought together industry leaders, community partners, and regional stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of manufacturers who continue to drive economic growth and innovation in Southwest Virginia.

Prior to the awards ceremony, attendees enjoyed a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring Alex Lupi (Tempur-Sealy), William Regert (VFP, Inc.), Wesley Strock (Hitachi Energy), and Jake Leonard (Real Performance Machinery). Moderated around key themes such as workforce development, employee retention, innovation, and community engagement, the panelists offered valuable insights drawn from their diverse experiences in manufacturing leadership.

Afterwards, SVAM proudly presented the following awards:

• Manufacturer of the Year: VFP, Inc. of Duffield, VA
• Community Impact Award: VFP, Inc. of Duffield, VA
• Environmental Excellence Award: Real Performance Machinery of Independence, VA
• Excellence in Safety Award: VFP, Inc. of Duffield, VA
• Innovations in Manufacturing Award: Strongwell of Bristol, VA
• Manufacturing Employee of the Year: Chris Viers, West River Conveyors of Oakwood, VA
• Community Choice Award: Hitachi Energy of Bland, VA
• Eric Miller Memorial Award: Jake Leonard, Real Performance Machinery of Independence, VA

“These awards not only recognize success in manufacturing, but also the deep commitment these organizations and individuals have to their employees, their communities, and the long-term prosperity of Southwest Virginia,” said SVAM Executive Director, Lennie Gail Mitcham.

Each award recipient was selected based on nominations from peers and partners throughout the region, highlighting achievements in innovation, safety, sustainability, and leadership.