Press Release

Magnum Products LLC receives 2005 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award

For immediate release.

(Berlin, WI) March, 2006 - Nine Wisconsin companies received 2005 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards for manufacturing excellence on Thursday, March 2, 2006.

"We are proud to honor these manufacturers that are responsible for creating jobs and keeping our local economies strong," said James S. Haney, president of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. "Manufacturing creates economic growth that ripples throughout our economy, fostering job growth in other sectors."

The annual competition is co-sponsored by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, a preeminent Midwest-based law firm; Virchow, Krause & Company, LLP, the nation's 15th largest accounting and consulting firm; and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's largest business association.

"These companies have made a commitment to keep manufacturing jobs right here in Wisconsin, establishing themselves as community and global leaders," said Tim Christen, CEO of Virchow Krause. "The Manufacturer of the Year Awards program celebrates the stories of Wisconsin's manufacturing companies that set the standards of excellence."

"Wisconsin manufacturers contribute to the vibrancy of Wisconsin and our communities through good business practices, innovative processes and productivity enhancements," said Geoffrey Morgan, a Co-Chair of the Business Practice Group at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Grand Award winners are recognized for overall outstanding achievement and categorized based on the number of employees. The Community Commitment Grand Award is presented to a manufacturer for its outstanding community commitment and steadfast community involvement. The High-Tech Grand award is presented to a high-tech manufacturer exemplifying innovation and leadership in its field.

Special Awards are presented to companies for achieving excellence in any one area. Categories are determined by the judges based on information provided in nomination forms. Forty manufacturers were nominated for this year's awards.

An independent panel of judges, including leaders in business, government, education and the business media, evaluated the nominations.

2005 Grand Award Winners

Mercury Marine, Fond du Lac - Mega (1000+ employees)
Ariens Company, Brillion - Large (300-999 employees)
Magnum Products, LLC, Berlin - Medium (50-299 employees)
Tailored Label Products, Inc., Menomonee Falls - Small (1-49 employees)
Briggs & Stratton Corporation, Milwaukee - Community Commitment
WS Packaging Group, Inc., Algoma - High-Tech

2005 Special Award Winners

Kraft Pizza Company, Little Chute - "Employee Involvement"
Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Company, Inc., Manitowoc - "Overcoming Obstacles"
Wiscraft, Inc., Milwaukee - "Excellence in the Face of Adversity"