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Mastercam Appoints Elizaga as VP of Global Sales & Services

Mastercam announced the appointment of Oscar Elizaga as vice president of global sales and services. In this key leadership role, Oscar will oversee Mastercam's global sales and commercial operations, focusing on driving market penetration, revenue growth, and elevating customer success.

Oscar brings over 30 years of global leadership experience across the high-tech, media software, and services sectors. He has a proven track record in strategic business development, successfully leading high-performing global sales teams and fostering growth-oriented cultures. In his new role, Oscar will lead efforts to drive market expansion, optimize sales operations, and elevate customer success across Mastercam's global markets.

"I'm honored to join Mastercam at such a pivotal time in the company's journey," said Elizaga. "Mastercam's commitment to innovation and customer success aligns perfectly with my vision for growth. I look forward to working with our teams worldwide, alongside our Channel Partners, to enhance our market presence and deliver exceptional value to our customers, Mastercam, and the broader Sandvik Manufacturing Solutions organization."

Susan Brandt, President of Mastercam, commented, "Oscar's extensive experience and strategic vision will be essential as we strengthen our global sales and service operations to drive market expansion and elevate customer success. His leadership will ensure we remain at the forefront of the industry, delivering innovative solutions and exceptional value to our customers worldwide."

For more information, visit www.mastercam.com.

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Ametek Acquires Virtek Vision International

Ametek, Inc. announced the acquisition of Virtek Vision International, a leading provider of advanced laser-based projection and inspection systems.

Virtek specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced 3D laser projectors, smart cameras, and quality control inspection systems, powered by AI-driven software and algorithms. Their innovative machine vision solutions provide customers with precise, virtual laser guided measurement and inspection capabilities to help automate complex assembly processes and improve manufacturing efficiencies across a wide range of aerospace, defense and industrial applications.

"We are excited to welcome Virtek to the Ametek family," said David A. Zapico, Ametek Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Virtek is an outstanding acquisition and an excellent strategic fit with our Creaform business. Their strong technology capabilities nicely complement Creaform’s enabling a broader suite of automated 3D scanning and inspection capabilities supported by advance software and algorithms.”

Virtek is headquartered in Waterloo, Canada, and has annual sales of approximately $40 million. Virtek will join Ametek as part of its Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) - a leader in advanced analytical, monitoring, testing, calibrating and display instrumentation.

For more information, visit www.ametek.com or creaform3d.com.

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Heinrichs, Robioneck Appointed to INFORM to strengthen AI Software

INFORM has hired two senior managers to help the company with their goals.

Peter Frerichs, CEO of INFORM, states, "Both new colleagues have extensive experience in leadership roles. That was a key objective for us. We will benefit from their entrepreneurial expertise and extensive experience in leading technology companies."

In the area of inventory and supply chain, Bernd Heinrichs believes that, among other things, AI will significantly impact software systems for sales planning, inventory optimization, and S&OP (sales & operations planning) processes. "It is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the transformation of a company that, like INFORM, is known in the market as an expert and pioneer with great innovative strength," explains Heinrichs. Heinrichs holds a doctorate in computer science, has 30 years of experience in innovation and transformation processes in leading positions at major companies such as Ericsson, Cisco, and Bosch. Over the past three years, he has played a pivotal role in the scaling and internationalization of two start-ups in the robotics sector, Wandelbots and Neura Robotics. "My goal is to expand into new business areas. To achieve this, we plan to modularize our business model, enhance it with AI and cloud applications, and collaborate with partners to promote professional collaboration. This will enable us to respond more quickly and align our offerings with market needs. Proximity to our customers will remain a crucial driver of our product development."

Holger Robioneck views the growing market pressure surrounding the digitization of production in mechanical and plant engineering as a significant opportunity for growth. "INFORM is currently the market leader in the field of production planning with its advanced planning and scheduling (APS) system. Going forward, our objective is to expand our product portfolio through the strategic integration of cloud solutions, SaaS distribution models, and AI technologies. This is how we will provide our customers with sustainable solutions that will enable them to proactively address the challenges of tomorrow," explains Robioneck. As a graduate computer scientist, Robioneck has 20 years of professional experience in leading positions at technology companies such as Soptim AG, the automotive specialist DSA, and the internationally active family-owned company Scheidt & Bachmann. His extensive experience in digital transformations and change management allows him to prioritize the customer at the core of all operations. He asserts, "Our close and personal relationship with customers is one of our greatest strengths, and we will continue to maintain and expand upon this as we navigate the age of AI and digital business models."

Robioneck is continuing the successful work of Andreas Gladis, who is retiring after 33 years as division manager. "Andreas Gladis has helped develop our APS system with his commitment, experience, and knowledge, and ensured that it is now one of the leading software tools for production planning," says INFORM CEO Peter Frerichs, paying tribute to Andreas Gladis's professional achievements.

For more information, visit www.inform-software.com.

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SME Education Foundation Awards Record Number of Sustainability Awards to SME PRIME Schools

Over 40 SME PRIME® schools received financial awards from the SME Education Foundation to sustain their manufacturing programs this year. The Foundation operates as the philanthropic arm of SME, the nonprofit association dedicated to advancing manufacturing technology and fostering manufacturing and engineering talent and capabilities in North America.

Informed by private industry, SME PRIME (Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education) builds custom manufacturing and engineering programs in high schools across the country, providing equipment, curriculum, teacher training, student scholarships, and funding for extracurricular activities and program sustainability. SME PRIME is tailored to meet the needs of local manufacturers and is aligned with 40 industry-recognized credentials and certifications. SME PRIME is located in 110 schools across 23 states, serving 10,000 students, and 91% of SME PRIME seniors pursue manufacturing post-graduation.

“This funding is crucial for SME PRIME schools to ensure that the momentum of manufacturing education continues. Communities and local manufacturers tell us that they see the impact of SME PRIME,” said Rob Luce, vice president of the SME Education Foundation. “Together, we are not just preparing students for careers; we are building a robust talent pipeline that will drive innovation and growth in the manufacturing sector for years to come.”

The sustainability awards are provided to help SME PRIME schools maintain their programs after initial period of program development. A unique element of the SME PRIME program, these funds help ensure the sustainability of SME PRIME, and therefore the future of manufacturing educational opportunities for students across the country.

SME PRIME schools apply annually for sustainability award consideration to help fund additional equipment and supplies, instructional support, professional development, and/or student engagement activities that support manufacturing.

Nearly half of the schools in the SME PRIME network of 110 have received 2024 sustainability awards. Some are among the earliest SME PRIME schools, dating back to 2010. The institutions selected for the 2024 SME PRIME sustainability awards are:

• Airport High School, Carleton, MI
• Anna High School, Anna, OH
• Area 31 Career Center, Indianapolis, IN
• Birch Run High School, Birch Run, MI
• Capital High School, Helena, MT
• Cazenovia High School, Cazenovia, NY
• Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls, IA
• Centerville High School, Centerville, OH
• Central Columbia High School, Bloomsburg, PA
• East Cooper Center for Advanced Studies, Mount Pleasant, MI
• East Jackson High School, Jackson, MI
• Ecorse Community High School, Ecorse, MI
• Edwardsburg High School, Edwardsburg, MI
• Barberton High School, Barberton, OH
• Wadsworth High School, Wadsworth, OH
• Freeland High School, Freeland, MI
• Genesee Career Institute, Flint, MI
• GI-TEC Mount Pleasant High School, Mount Pleasant, MI
• Grand Haven High School, Grand Haven, MI
• Hancock High School, Hancock, MI
• Hemlock Public Schools, Hemlock, MI
• Heritage High School, Saginaw, MI
• Hollenstein Career and Technology Center, Fort Worth, TX
• Hopewell High School, Huntersville, NC
• Indiana County Technology Center, Indiana, PA
• Innovation Central High School, Grand Rapids, MI
• J.I. Case High School, Racine, WI
• McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology, Indianapolis, IN
• Merrill High School, Merrill, MI
• Romeo High School, Washington, MI
• Rudyard High School, Rudyard, MI
• Saginaw Career Complex, Saginaw, MI
• San Pasqual High School, Escondido, CA
• Saint Michael-Albertville (STMA) High School, St. Michael, MN
• Summit Technology Academy, Lee’s Summit, MO
• Swan Valley High School, Saginaw, MI
• Three Rivers High School, Three Rivers, MI
• Walker Career Center, Indianapolis, IN
• Washington Park High School, Racine, WI
• West Ottawa High School, Holland, MI
• Wheeling High School, Wheeling, IL
• Whitehall High School, Whitehall, MI
• William D. Ford Career-Technical School, Westland, MI

“The funding helped supplement our VEX Robotics Competition team during the last school year. The award supported four different teams to develop a robot that competed in at least four competitions last year,” Chris Sjolander, engineering instructor at East Cooper Center for Advanced Studies (ECCAS) in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. “There were over 20 students who participated in the VEX Robotics Competition from Team 3859. Without the sustainability award, we would not have been able to participate in the competition or send as many students.”

The SME Education Foundation has proudly seeded the SME PRIME Sustainability Fund with its own resources. Gratitude is extended to the Bosch Community Fund and other contributors for their generous support, which underscores the importance of collaboration among industry leaders in advancing the sustainability of SME PRIME programs.

“We are proud to invest in the future of manufacturing talent through sustainability for SME PRIME,” said Eve Haley, Program Officer at the Bosch Community Fund. “By supporting these innovative educational initiatives, we are helping to ensure that students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in advanced manufacturing careers. Sustainability awards for SME PRIME schools will not only benefit students today but will create a lasting impact on the manufacturing industry for years to come.”

For more information, visit SME.org.  

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New Products Award Winners Announced on Final Day of The Assembly Show

The 12th Annual Assembly Show wrapped up at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, with the announcement of the New Products Award winners. The program featured 20 new products which were selected by the editors of Assembly Magazine. Attendees voted during the event and during the Morning Mingle Breakfast on the show floor. The following companies were announced the winners in each of five categories:

• Assembly Machines & Systems: Edgewater Automation’s vision-guided SCARA robots handle pick-and-place operations, apply silicone, dispense grease, and transfer assemblies in and out of a leak test station.
• Adhesives, Dispensing and Curing - The Perfecdos electro-pneumatic dispensing valve by MTA Automation Inc. requires less maintenance and fewer spare parts than comparable piezoelectric valves.
• Fastening Tools - The Wireless Rotary Transducer (WRT) from Desoutter Industrial Tools offers a simple way to achieve tool verification or calibration without the need for cabling or software.
• Robotics - Coval Inc’s. CVGC carbon-fiber vacuum gripper for cobots has been redesigned for better modularity and performance. Engineers can configure the gripper to suit their precise needs.
• Manufacturing Software - VKS I/O Connect is a new add-on to VKS’ software that enables workers to activate and monitor devices, machines and PLCs directly from digital work instructions. It is the next step in consolidating manual and automated processes into one intelligent operation.

During the two days, thousands of manufacturing professionals had access to over 250 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies in an expansive exhibit hall featuring both The Assembly Show and SMTA International. Leading companies in robotics, automation, adhesives, and other assembly-related technologies displayed the latest tools and services designed to streamline production processes and improve efficiency. The trade show featured Gold Sponsor Promess; Silver Sponsor ASG; and Bronze Sponsors Schmidt Technology and Ujigami, by Tutelar Technologies.

Best-selling author Jairek Robbins discussed Crafting the Future: Leadership and Legacy in the Manufacturing Industry to a packed audience. Jairek provided an inspiring discussion on the power of proactive leadership in shaping the future of manufacturing. Leadership isn’t just a title—it’s about active participation, strategic vision, and fostering growth. Jairek was featured on The ASSEMBLY Magazine Podcast where he spoke about Leading Up: Shaping the Future of Manufacturing ahead of his presentation.

Prior to the keynote, the editors of Assembly Magazine presented the Plant of the Year Award to GE Appliances who mass-produces dishwashers at a sprawling factory in Louisville, KY. Today, the 1-million-square-foot facility produces more than 70 dishwasher models.

Attendees had the chance to engage in live demonstrations of new equipment and software, providing a firsthand look at the latest industry solutions. From automated assembly lines to advanced inspection systems, participants can see these innovations in action.

Hundreds of engineers also participated in 24 pre-conference workshops. Subject matter experts led sessions in three tracks including Advancements in Automation and Automated Assembly; Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, and C-Suite Topics; and Bolted Joint and Threaded Fastener Assembly.

During the Taste of Rosemont Welcome Reception in the exhibit hall students from two local First Robotics high school teams demonstrated their robots for the attendees and networked with the vendors. The FIRST Robotics Competition teams consist of students in grades 9-12 who design, program, and build a robot starting with a standard kit of parts and common set of rules to play in a themed head-to-head challenge. Teams also build a brand, develop community partnerships for support, and work to promote STEM in the local community

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Assembly Show held Pink Out Day to support cancer fighters, admire survivors, honor those lost, and never give up hope to find a cure.

To make a donation, visit https://secure.info-komen.org/site/TR;jsessionid=00000000.app30063b?team_id=497501&fr_id=10370&pg=team&NONCE_TOKEN=7B054B6BB0C67F9D71C7023B0753FEFB.

For more information, visit www.assemblymag.com.

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Takayuki Ito Elected President of The International Federation of Robotics

Takayuki Ito has been elected as the new President of the International Federation of Robotics. Mr Ito will represent the IFR alongside his newly elected Vice President, Jane Heffner.

Takayuki Ito of Fanuc Corporation, who previously held the position of Vice President, succeeds Marina Bill of ABB who has served the rotating post since 2022. "I am proud to continue the work of my predecessor, Marina Bill, who has been a great ambassador for the world of robotics. We are witnessing rapid change in the automation of industrial and service sectors around the world. Together with Jane Heffner of Mobile Industrial Robots as the new Vice President of the IFR, I look forward to our mission," said Takayuki Ito.

Takayuki Ito has a track record of more than 40 years in the robotics industry. He currently holds the position of Chief Technical Advisor at the Japanese robot manufacturer Fanuc Corporation based in Oshino, Japan. Since 1981, Takayuki Ito has worked at the Japanese robot manufacturer in various positions: In 1997, he became Executive Vice President for Fanuc Robotics in North America. He returned to the Fanuc headquarters in Japan in 2002, taking on the role of General Manager for the Robot Technology Center.

The IFR’s new Vice President, Jane Heffner, has more than 20 years of experience in technology-driven industries, including automation, robotics, automotive, and aerospace. She currently serves as Vice President Global Sales at Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), a leading manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots. In this role, based in Detroit, Heffner oversees the company’s global sales strategy and execution. Before joining MiR, Heffner held leadership roles at ABB Robotics and other major industrial companies.

For more information, visit www.ifr.org.

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Sandvik Coromant Supports Future Leaders of Manufacturing at NAIT Awards Ceremony 

Sandvik Coromant recently participated in the annual awards ceremony at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). Held earlier in October, the ceremony recognized the exceptional achievements of students in the Machinist Program, spotlighting the bright futures and potential of the award recipients.

During the event, 13 scholarships were awarded to students who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and skill in the field of manufacturing. Recipients Louis King, Joshua Collins, Devon Benjamin Jackson, Christopher Frostad, Joel Turner, Hoang Nguyen, Christopher Demetroff, Jack White, Jason Fox, Dillon Mitchelmore, Ramon Sawatzky, Matthew Sundin and Andrew Schlachter, have each shown determination and resilience in their programs, as well as academic excellence, a commitment to continuous learning, leadership in team projects and exceptional technical skills, distinguishing themselves as leaders among their peers and embodying the potential for future innovation in the industry.

Magalie Jackson, General Manager for Canada at Sandvik Coromant, addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of education in manufacturing and the company’s commitment to fostering new talent. “These scholarships are not merely awards; they are investments in the future of manufacturing. We are thrilled to support NAIT and these talented students as they continue to break boundaries and advance our industry,” Jackson stated.

The ceremony also included remarks from Peter Leclaire, NAIT’s VP Academic, and Jason Fox, the Leadership award recipient, who shared insights on the pivotal role of technical education in preparing students for their careers.

“This year, we are celebrating 16 years of partnership with Sandvik Coromant, marked by an incredible $360,000 in scholarships and $2.7 million in resources since 2007, transforming the Sandvik Coromant Centre into a top-tier facility for machinist education in Canada,” said NAIT’s Leclaire. “Together, we are bridging the gap between education and industry, ensuring our graduates are well-equipped to thrive in this rapidly evolving field. We’re incredibly proud of this partnership and look forward to many more years of collaboration.”

For more information, visit www.sandvik.coromant.com.  

August Manufacturing Technology Orders Fall Short of 2023; Outlook Optimistic for Remainder of 2024

Orders of manufacturing technology, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, totaled $360.8 million in August 2024. These orders for metalworking machinery increased 22.7% from July 2024 but fell 12% short of August 2023 orders. Year-to-date orders reached $2.81 billion, a decline of 11.5% compared to the first eight months of 2023.

While orders continue to lag behind those placed in 2023, the level of order activity remains above historic levels. August 2024 orders are 3.8% above those placed in a typical August. This trend indicates the industry is still undergoing a period of normalization following the COVID disruptions rather than a true decline. Historically elevated capacity utilization rates across durable goods manufacturers indicate a very real need for additional investment in manufacturing technology.

• Contract machine shops, the largest customers of manufacturing technology, increased both the number of units ordered and the value of their orders for the first time since March 2024. This growth in a key customer segment is a welcome sign after a sluggish July saw the lowest value of orders since May 2020 and the fewest units ordered since July 2010. Since job shops typically absorb elevated capacity needs from OEMs, this buying trend indicates that production could continue to grow.
• Manufacturers in the aerospace sector increased the value of their orders by 13% from July to August 2024, but the number of units increased by nearly 27% in that same time. This indicates their purchases are for additional capacity, which is confirmed by the persistently increasing capacity utilization rates in the sector. While machinery orders from manufacturers of aerospace parts have been strong in the past few months, the strike of Boeing machinists has the potential to dampen this demand. It would be tempting to compare this to the 2023 United Autoworkers strike, which had almost no impact on orders for manufacturing technology from the automotive sector. However, at that time, the automotive industry had already been pulling back orders after a historically elevated buying cycle over the summer of 2023. Additionally, capacity utilization rates were falling and inventories growing leading into the strike. The aerospace sector is in a decidedly different position, with increased orders, a buying cycle on an upswing, and capacity utilization increasing for the past three years. Only time will tell how the Boeing strike could impact machinery orders.

Although August 2024 orders fell short of those placed in 2023, the outlook for the remainder of the year remains optimistic. The electric atmosphere at September’s IMTS, the largest manufacturing technology trade show in the Western Hemisphere, was a welcome sign that manufacturers are in need of additional capacity as well as solutions to improve quality and efficiency. The momentum of order activity in the last four months of 2024 will likely accelerate and could carry over into 2025, as forecast by experts at AMT’s annual MTForecast conference.

For more information, visit www.amtonline.org.

Zygo Team Members Honored With Prestigious ASPE Awards at 39th Annual Meeting

Zygo, a business unit of AMETEK, Inc., announced that two of its distinguished team members, Dr. Peter de Groot and Dr. Vivek G. Badami, have been recognized by the American Society for Precision Engineering (ASPE) for their significant contributions to the field of precision engineering.

Dr. Peter de Groot, Zygo Chief Scientist, will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes his extensive expertise in optics and interferometry, as well as his unparalleled contributions to research, development, and education within the optics, physics, and precision engineering communities. Dr. de Groot’s remarkable career spans over fifty years, beginning with hands-on experience building reflecting telescopes and progressing through innovative work in experimental physics.

Throughout his career, Dr. de Groot has authored over 140 U.S. patents and more than 200 technical publications, tutorials, and book chapters, significantly advancing optical instrumentation and precision measurement techniques. His esteemed positions as a Fellow of SPIE, Optica, the Institute of Physics, and the International Academy of Engineering and Technology, along with his recent role as the 2024 President-Elect of SPIE, highlight his leadership and dedication to the field. Dr. de Groot’s ongoing commitment to education and his role as an honorary professor and keynote speaker within the precision engineering community showcase his passion for inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Dr. Vivek G. Badami, Zygo Technology Fellow and Director of Engineering, will be inducted into the ASPE College of Fellows. This recognition celebrates his sustained advancements in ultra-precision nanometrology systems and subsystems for stage positioning in the semiconductor photolithography industry. Dr. Badami has made notable contributions to the development of high-end laser displacement interferometers, optical encoder systems, and metrology calibration fixtures for ultra-high precision measurement instruments. His leadership roles within ASPE, including President, Board Member, and Chair of the Education Committee, have earned him the society’s Distinguished Service Award.

Zygo is honored to have both Dr. de Groot and Dr. Badami as part of its team, continuing the company’s legacy of innovation and excellence in precision engineering. It is noteworthy that the three founders of Zygo — Paul F. Forman, Sol Laufer, and Carl A. Zanoni — were also recipients of the ASPE Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997, making this recognition even more significant for the company.

For more information, visit www.zygo.com.

August 2024 US Cutting Tool Orders Total $209.3 Million, Up 9.1% From July 2024

Shipments of cutting tools, measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report compiled in a collaboration between AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI), totaled $209.3 million in August 2024. Orders increased 9.1% from July 2024 but were down 4.5% from August 2023. Year-to-date shipments totaled $1.67 billion, up 1.5% from shipments made in the first eight months of 2023. The year-to-date growth rate has declined every month since April 2024.

“U.S. cutting tool orders have hit significant headwinds as we move into the fourth quarter of 2024,” said Steve Boyer, president of USCTI. “We saw drop-offs in orders for two of the last three months of the third quarter of this year compared to last year. Challenges continue with work stoppages in the aerospace sector. Instability in world events is also significantly impairing market confidence as we finish out 2024. Defense spending continues to be strong, while other markets have shown some stagnation. Early expectations for continued growth in 2025 originally showed promise, but a lackluster 2025 is probably more realistic with so many factors in flux.”

Bret Tayne, president of Everede Tool Company, said: “Sales of industrial metal cutting tools seems to have plateaued. We can look past some of the ‘noise’ by focusing on the 12-month moving average, and that is flat. This conclusion seems to be consistent with what we read about the broader economy. We are at an inflection point. Some macro data points to a recession, and other data indicates we may avoid it. From the perspective of our industry, it will be interesting to see if we achieve any sustainable momentum from IMTS, which took place in September.”

IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show was held Sept. 9-14 in Chicago. A biennial event produced by AMT, IMTS is the largest manufacturing trade show in the Western Hemisphere and regularly provides a boost to manufacturing technology and machine tool orders across all sectors.

The Cutting Tool Market Report is jointly compiled by AMT and USCTI, two trade associations representing the development, production, and distribution of cutting tool technology and products. It provides a monthly statement on U.S. manufacturers’ consumption of the primary consumable in the manufacturing process, the cutting tool. Analysis of cutting tool consumption is a leading indicator of both upturns and downturns in U.S. manufacturing activity, as it is a true measure of actual production levels.

For more information, visit www.amtonline.org.

NIST Announces 2024 Baldrige Awards for Performance Excellence

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced that five organizations will receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s only presidential award for performance excellence. Among the recipients of the newly redesigned national quality award are a pair of two-time winners.

The Baldrige Award was redesigned earlier this year to focus on organizational resilience. The new criteria are intended to help organizations adapt, innovate and thrive in a dynamic environment where change and disruption are constant. To win the award, in addition to demonstrating organizational resilience, recipients also must show long-term success through favorable performance levels and trends, comparisons to competitors and appropriate benchmarks, and relevant metrics.

“The 2024 Baldrige Award recipients are role-model organizations that are helping us address some of our nation’s most critical needs, and they demonstrate the resilient spirit of the American people,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These five awardees are bettering the lives of American workers, strengthening our infrastructure, and improving the quality of life in communities across the nation. Each awardee demonstrates how the Baldrige process makes it possible for any type of organization to achieve excellence on behalf of the people and communities they serve.” 

The 2024 honorees and some of their achievements are: 

• Alamo Colleges District (ACD) (Texas) provides affordable or tuition-free education to eligible students in an effort to help end poverty, enhance economic and social mobility, and meet workforce demands. Founded in 1945, the district includes five community colleges in the San Antonio area. In 2018, ACD won the Baldrige Award in education, and it now becomes the first higher education institution to win twice. 
• Chickasaw Nation Department of Health (CNDH) (Oklahoma) provides many types of inpatient, outpatient and population health services across a 13-county service area in southern Oklahoma. CNDH received a five-star (highest) rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, placing it among the top 10% nationally among health care organizations so rated. CNDH also ranks within the top 10% nationally both for patients’ willingness to recommend it and for low workforce turnover.  
• The City of Henderson (Nevada), founded in 1953 and named a “city of destiny” by President John F. Kennedy, ranks in the top 10% nationally for police and fire services, emergency preparedness, parks and overall city services. Bloomberg Philanthropies awarded it a “What Works Cities Gold Certification” for data-driven, well-managed local governance. Nearly 100% of the city’s employees indicate that they like the kind of work they do. 
• Freese and Nichols Inc. (Texas) is a privately owned engineering, planning and consulting firm with offices in 12 states. Its projects range from water supply reservoirs and wastewater treatment plants to state highways and flood risk reduction programs. In 2010, Freese and Nichols Inc. won the Baldrige Award in the small business category, and it now becomes the first two-time engineering firm winner. The firm showed total revenue growth from $200 million in 2019 to $325 million in 2023.
• Northeast Delta Dental (New Hampshire) provides prepaid dental insurance coverage and benefits to employers (including associations and union groups) and to individuals. Founded in 1961, Northeast Delta Dental comprises the Delta Dental Plans of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Northeast Delta Dental’s “March to a Million” journey to a million covered lives has insured 1,091,563 people out of a population of 3 million, with a retention rate of 99%. 

Additionally, several organizations were designated as finalists for the award and received site visits from the Baldrige examiners. These organizations were: the City of Pharr, Texas; the Community Hospital Association of McCook, Nebraska; the Nor-Lea Hospital District, New Mexico; and Southcentral Foundation, Alaska. 

The Baldrige judges may offer special recognition to finalists for having impact in areas of importance to their organizations, the nation or both. This year, the judges recognize Southcentral Foundation for best practices in its integrated health care system, workforce development, and data and information management approaches.

Baldrige Award recipients will be recognized during a formal ceremony in Baltimore, Maryland, in the spring of 2025. The ceremony will be followed by the Quest for Excellence Conference, where Baldrige Award recipients and other leading organizations share best practices and innovations that can help any organization improve.

The Baldrige Performance Excellence Program is a public-private partnership within the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which is dedicated to promoting U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology. The program has fostered the adoption of proven leadership, management and operational best practices, and supported a global community that values people, organizational learning, continuous improvement and striving for sustained excellence.

The program is funded in part through user fees. Key partners include the nonprofit Alliance for Performance Excellence, a network of Baldrige-based regional and state award programs, and the Baldrige Foundation, which provides advocacy but does not have a role or influence in the annual Baldrige Award process. 

For more information, visit https://www.nist.gov/.