Uponor was recently honored as the 2013 Manufacturer of the Year in the large-company category by the Manufacturers Alliance. The alliance is an association that provides training, education and resources to Midwest manufacturing companies.

“We are honored to receive this recognition and award and are privileged to be part of the Manufacturers Alliance where we not only share our best practices, but where we also learn from others,” said Uponor North America President Bill Gray.

Uponor is a relative newcomer to the Manufacturers Alliance’s Manufacturer of the Year awards. Last year was the first year the company was nominated and came in as runner-up.

“I am excited for Uponor and for our employees,” said Rusty Callier, director of operations. “This award validates what we have accomplished and will be used as a springboard to sustained success.”

The Manufacturers Alliance chose Uponor due to several lean and operational efficiencies the company had experienced in the past year, including improving overall equipment efficiency by 7.8%. The company also decreased its non-value added by 19% and decreased scarp rate by 9%.

“Our 2012 body of work has not only allowed us to make great strides in our business, but also in our belief that we are a learning organization that must invest in learning and benchmarking to stay competitive,” said Callier. “Through participating in Manufacturers Alliance training, holding training events and plant tours, hosting peer meetings and participating in numerous site visits set up through peer groups, we continue to learn from other Manufacturers Alliance members.”