The finalists, selected by an independent panel of judges, were singled out for their progressive use of technology to transform manufacturing. "The judges were impressed with the wide array of nominations they received this year," said Jeffrey Moad, Managing Automation's executive editor. "It's evident from the more than 100 submissions that more manufacturers, across every vertical market, are continuing to leverage technology to achieve long-term success."

From the 33 finalists, seven winners will be selected in the following categories: Business Model Mastery, Innovation Mastery, Customer Mastery, Supply Network Mastery, Data and Integration Mastery, and Education and Training Mastery.

Carrier is a finalist in the Innovation Mastery Award category.

In addition, the Progressive Manufacturer of the Year Award will recognize a manufacturer who has mastered multiple technological and business disciplines needed to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

All of the award winners will be announced and detailed case studies analyzing this year's winning entries will be provided in the June 2006 issue of Managing Automation. Awards will be presented at a gala dinner taking place on June 13 at the 2006 Progressive Manufacturing Summit.

Publication date: 05/01/2006