Lexington, Kentucky, October 31, 2025
The Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has revealed the winners of the 2025 Manufacturing Awards at the Kentucky Industry Conference Awards Dinner. This prestigious event recognized outstanding contributions in Kentucky’s manufacturing sector, with Process Machinery, Inc. named Manufacturer of the Year, and individual awards given to Matt Pangburn as Manufacturing Employee of the Year and Donnie Slagle for Executive Leadership. The awards highlight innovation, community impact, and the economy’s growth through manufacturing excellence.
KAM Announces 2025 Manufacturing Awards Winners
Recognizing Excellence in Kentucky’s Manufacturing Sector
Lexington, Kentucky – The Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has recently honored key players in the state’s manufacturing sector with the announcement of the 2025 Manufacturing Awards. These awards were presented at the Kentucky Industry Conference Awards Dinner on October 28, 2025, at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, celebrating the achievements and contributions that significantly bolster Kentucky’s economic framework.
The KAM Manufacturing Awards serve to highlight not only innovation within the industry but also the profound impact that dedicated individuals and companies have on their communities. As the economy shifts towards a more robust manufacturing landscape, events like the KAM Manufacturing Awards shine a light on how reduced regulation and entrepreneurial spirit can fuel growth and job creation.
2025 Manufacturing Awards Winners
Manufacturer of the Year
Process Machinery, Inc. was awarded Manufacturer of the Year, a recognition bestowed upon the company for its over 45 years of service in the aggregate processing industry. This Shelbyville-based organization exemplifies innovation, community involvement, and industry advocacy, showcasing how a commitment to technological advancement can transform the manufacturing sector in Kentucky.
Manufacturing Employee of the Year
This year, the Manufacturing Employee of the Year award was given to Matt Pangburn of Process Machinery, Inc. Pangburn’s outstanding dedication and professionalism have been pivotal in the company’s ongoing success, demonstrating that individual contributions are key to advancing industry goals.
Manufacturing Executive Leadership Award
Donnie Slagle, Executive Vice President of Toyotetsu America, earned the Manufacturing Executive Leadership Award. Slagle has been recognized for his ethical leadership and commitment to employee welfare, creating an environment where productivity thrives and innovation flourishes.
About the Awards
The KAM Manufacturing Awards aim to spotlight the significant contributions of manufacturers and industry leaders to their employees, customers, and communities. These awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and good citizenship of Kentucky’s top manufacturers and employees, enhancing the overall prosperity of communities across the Commonwealth.
Previous Winners
The continuity of excellence within Kentucky’s manufacturing sector is further reinforced as 2024’s previous winners included:
- Manufacturer of the Year: Process Machinery, Inc.
- Manufacturing Employee of the Year: Matt Pangburn
- Manufacturing Executive Leadership Award: Donnie Slagle
These ongoing accolades emphasize Kentucky’s steady role as a leader in the manufacturing industry, underlining resilience and innovation as vital components for future success.
About the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers
The Kentucky Association of Manufacturers is dedicated to promoting and growing manufacturing and the economic opportunities it creates in the Commonwealth. Through initiatives like the Manufacturing Awards, KAM works to recognize and bolster the achievements of Kentucky’s vibrant manufacturing community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the KAM Manufacturing Awards?
The KAM Manufacturing Awards are annual accolades presented by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers to recognize outstanding contributions in Kentucky’s manufacturing sector. The awards celebrate excellence in innovation, leadership, and community engagement among manufacturers and industry leaders.
Who were the winners of the 2025 Manufacturing Awards?
The winners of the 2025 Manufacturing Awards are:
– Manufacturer of the Year: Process Machinery, Inc.
– Manufacturing Employee of the Year: Matt Pangburn
– Manufacturing Executive Leadership Award: Donnie Slagle
When and where were the awards presented?
The awards were presented at the Kentucky Industry Conference Awards Dinner on October 28, 2025, at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky.
What is the purpose of the KAM Manufacturing Awards?
The purpose of the KAM Manufacturing Awards is to spotlight the significant contributions of manufacturers and industry leaders to their employees, customers, and communities. These awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and good citizenship of Kentucky’s top manufacturers and employees, enhancing the prosperity of communities across the Commonwealth.
Who is the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers?
The Kentucky Association of Manufacturers is dedicated to promoting and growing manufacturing and the economic opportunities it creates in the Commonwealth. Through initiatives like the Manufacturing Awards, KAM seeks to recognize and support the achievements of Kentucky’s manufacturing community.
Key Features of the 2025 Manufacturing Awards
| Award Category | Winner | Company Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer of the Year | Process Machinery, Inc. | With over 45 years in the aggregate processing industry, the Shelbyville-based company has demonstrated exceptional innovation, corporate citizenship, and industry advocacy. |
| Manufacturing Employee of the Year | Matt Pangburn | Pangburn’s dedication and exceptional performance at Process Machinery, Inc. have been instrumental in the company’s success. |
| Manufacturing Executive Leadership Award | Donnie Slagle | As Executive Vice President of Toyotetsu America, Slagle’s leadership is characterized by ethics, integrity, and a deep commitment to employee well-being. |
Now Happening on X
- @GovAndyBeshear (October 30, 2025): Gov. Andy Beshear congratulated Kinemetrix on the ribbon-cutting for its expanded manufacturing operation in Lexington, a $4 million investment creating 12 quality jobs, highlighting ongoing growth in the local sector. View on X
- @CEDkygov (October 30, 2025): The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development celebrated Kinemetrix’s new expanded manufacturing facility in Lexington, emphasizing the $4 million investment and 12 new jobs as a boost to robotics and manufacturing innovation. View on X
- @NKyTribune (October 30, 2025): AquiSense Inc., based in Erlanger, was named among the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers 2025 award winners, recognizing its contributions to the state’s manufacturing community. View on X
- @BFLouisville (October 28, 2025): For Kentucky, the biggest manufacturing stories of 2025 include major auto industry investments, tech advancements, and more, shaping the sector’s future. View on X
- @BFLouisville (October 29, 2025): Kentucky manufacturing leaders are sharing insights on the industry’s resurgence, discussing key challenges and opportunities ahead. View on X
- @CPC4Kentucky (October 30, 2025): Kentucky’s economic growth is remarkable, ranking 8th in Site Selection magazine’s 2025 Global Groundwork Index, with over $43 billion in private-sector investments since 2019 driving manufacturing and jobs. View on X
- @AutosDrvAmerica (October 27, 2025): Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky is featured for combining skilled workers and automation to build the future of mobility in its massive 9 million sq. ft. facility. View on X
- @BFLouisville (October 24, 2025): Kentucky manufacturing leaders weigh in on the sector’s resurgence, offering perspectives on challenges and opportunities in economic development. View on X
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