Hatch Stamping’s Suzanne Morrison Named 2026 Manufacturing Woman of the Year at Michigan Manufacturing Excellence Awards

The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) gathered manufacturing leaders, industry professionals and media at its Lansing headquarters to recognize outstanding achievements during the 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Awards.

The annual awards celebrate Michigan manufacturers and individuals who demonstrate excellence in innovation, leadership, sustainability, workforce development and community engagement.

Among this year's honorees, Suzanne Morrison, Director of Marketing at Hatch Stamping in Chelsea, was named the 2026 Manufacturing Woman of the Year, recognizing her leadership, advocacy and contributions to Michigan's manufacturing industry.

"I am deeply honored and genuinely humbled to be selected as Manufacturing Woman of the Year. I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for an industry I believe in so deeply, and especially for the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many talented women who are helping shape the future of manufacturing," said Suzanne Morrison, Director of Marketing at Hatch Stamping.

As Director of Marketing at Hatch Stamping, Morrison contributes to the company's efforts to communicate its capabilities, strengthen customer relationships and highlight the people and expertise behind its manufacturing operations. Her recognition reflects the important role women play in advancing Michigan's manufacturing industry and inspiring future generations to explore careers in the field.

Hatch Stamping is proud to see Morrison recognized among Michigan's manufacturing leaders and celebrates her contributions to the industry.

Other notable award recipients include Paul Aultman of Vantage Plastics, honored with the Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement Award; Matt Carr of Storch Products, named Manufacturing Talent Champion; and Clay Stephens of Synergy Molding Technologies, recognized as Manufacturing Emerging Leader.

Several Michigan companies were also recognized as award finalists, including Highland Engineering, United CNC Machining, Llink Technologies, Nexteer Automotive, Marathon Petroleum, Vantage Plastics, Storch Products Co. Inc., Synergy Molding Technologies, Swarm Defense, EXALTA Group, and Centrepolis Accelerator. Three finalists were also named in the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan People's Choice Contest.

The Manufacturing Excellence Awards highlight the people, organizations and innovations strengthening Michigan's manufacturing industry while supporting economic growth, workforce development and local communities.

Through these annual recognitions, the MMA continues to celebrate the dedication and achievements that make Michigan a leader in manufacturing.

Ann Arbor SPARK has supported Hatch Stamping through referrals to workforce training, export assistance, grant resources, and programs offered through Michigan Works! Southeast, including the MI STEM Forward internship program. Hatch also participated in regional economic development initiatives through its multiyear sponsorship of the Economic Development Council of Livingston County (EDCLC) Annual Meeting, which SPARK helped organize during its partnership with EDCLC.