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f e atu r e 2012 MOTY Awards announced P H O T O g r a ph s B Y M ARGAR E T L E B R U N Walker Forge, Clintonville; Alliance Laundry, Ripon, among winners Walker Forge President Willard Walker accepts the Grand Award in the large company category at the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards dinner Feb. 28 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. Walker Forge, Clintonville, has increased its employment from 217 to 564 over the past three years. Two companies based in the New North region were recognized as award winners at the 2012 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards 25th annual dinner on Feb. 28 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. Walker Forge, Clintonville, received the Grand Award in the large company category. Alliance Laundry Systems, Ripon won a special award for market leadership. "The eight winners from this year are a testament to the strength of 22 | / insight on manufacturing • March 2013 manufacturing in our great state. Their unparalleled success and innovation make Wisconsin proud and give us hope for the future of our business climate" said Kurt R. Bauer, WMC President/CEO. Walker Forge, a 60-year-old full-service, closed-die forging company, was recognized for giving its customers consistent, long-lasting forging solutions, including parts for a variety of heavy machinery used in the agriculture, military, and Willard Walker shows the Grand Award received by his company, Walker Forge. automotive markets. In the past three years, Walker Forge grew from 217 employees to more than 564. Alliance Laundry Systems, the largest commercial laundry manufacturer in the world, employs more than 1,000 in Wisconsin. It's the only manufacturer in North America to produce a full commercial product line, including top load washers, dryers, front load washers, washerextractors and tumble dryers for commercial clients. In July 2012 the company announced a $24 million expansion that will add 270 new skilled jobs. The following New North w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g .c o m