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‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day 2025: A Record-Breaking Celebration of Industry & Impact

October 20, 2025 by Joe Perez

A Gathering Like No Other

On October 3, 2025, more than 1,000 manufacturing leaders, educators, students, and policymakers convened at iPlay America in Freehold, New Jersey for the 13th annual ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day, the largest in the event’s history. This milestone moment was more than a celebration — it was a declaration that New Jersey’s manufacturing industry is strong, collaborative, and ready to lead.

With a day packed full of candid conversations, breakout sessions, live demos, networking, and honors, attendees experienced the full spectrum of what makes this industry indispensable to the state’s economy. It was also a day full of flexibility — with an unexpected pivot that didn’t dampen the energy but instead reinforced the event’s theme of adaptability and resilience.

After opening remarks from NJMEP CEO Peter Connolly and fellow partners, Steve Adubato delivered an energetic keynote that had the crowd buzzing by blending humor, insight, and actionable leadership advice that perfectly set the tone for the day ahead.

Celebrating Excellence: The 2025 Award Winners

One of the most anticipated moments of ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day each year is the Awards Ceremony, when the spotlight turns to those shaping the state’s industrial future. In front of a packed audience of peers, policymakers, and partners, this year’s honorees took the stage to celebrate their contributions to New Jersey’s manufacturing community.

From breakthrough innovators to long-standing leaders, these award recipients reflect the spirit of progress, collaboration, and dedication that drives the industry forward. Their work—spanning advanced production, biotechnology, and manufacturing excellence—serves as an example of what’s possible when creativity and craftsmanship come together.

This year’s winners included:

In addition, a special distinction was presented through the ‘Made in NJ’ Honor Roll, recognizing individuals whose leadership and advocacy have significantly advanced the state’s manufacturing sector:

As each honoree walked across the stage, the applause was both heartfelt and deafening. These awardees embody what ‘MADE in NJ’ represents — innovation, resilience, and the shared drive to keep New Jersey manufacturing competitive on both a national and global scale.

Two Visions, One Industry

For the first time in ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day history, both New Jersey gubernatorial candidates took the stage, each addressing the state’s manufacturing community with their unique perspectives and plans.

The day featured Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and former State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, each participating in one-on-one sessions moderated by Dr. Benjamin Dworkin of Rowan University. These weren’t scripted speeches; they were direct, candid conversations shaped by pre-submitted questions from manufacturers across the state.

Attendees played an active role in guiding the dialogue, ensuring real industry concerns were front and center. Topics included workforce development, energy infrastructure, tax incentives, reshoring, transportation, and education — critical areas defining the path ahead for New Jersey’s industrial base.

The energy in the room was palpable. Many in the audience remained afterward to meet the candidates in person, take photos, and have meaningful one-on-one exchanges. The opportunity to hear and be heard by the next potential Governor of New Jersey was not just symbolic. It was strategic. And it reinforced what this event has become: a hub for real policy conversations with real economic impact.

Breakouts on the Fly — and On Point

While the day’s schedule shifted slightly, it didn’t stop the momentum. The quick adjustment to hold breakout sessions earlier in the day went off without a hitch, thanks to the flexibility of both speakers and attendees. The result? Four dynamic, standing-room-only discussions that dove deep into the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s manufacturing landscape.

Participants had the opportunity to choose from four expert-led panels, each focusing on a critical area of modern manufacturing:

  • Automation & Technology Implementation – Exploring how digital tools and smart systems are transforming production.
  • Tariffs, Trade Disruptions & Supply Chain Resiliency – Addressing global volatility and competitiveness.
  • Production & Operations Best Practices – Highlighting lean principles and throughput optimization.
  • Cost-Saving Strategies for Manufacturers – Discussing actionable ways to reduce expenses through efficiency and planning.

Each conversation left attendees with not just new partnerships, but also tangible takeaways they could apply immediately within their own facilities.

Students Front and Center

One of the most energizing aspects of this year’s ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day was the presence of New Jersey’s next generation of changemakers. The event floor buzzed with curiosity and engagement as students from Junior Achievement of New Jersey and the Irvington High School JROTC unit explored the world of advanced manufacturing.

These students weren’t just passive spectators. They actively connected with manufacturers at exhibit booths, asked questions during breakout sessions, and even had the opportunity to meet and engage with New Jersey’s gubernatorial candidates — a rare and valuable opportunity for young minds to witness leadership and advocacy in real-time.

Meanwhile, the Robotics Showcase stood as a symbol of applied STEM learning in action. Featuring talented teams from FIRST Robotics (Roxbury High School and Newton High School) and three FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) teams represented by Robotech Educational Services, Inc., the competition gave attendees a front-row seat to the kind of ingenuity, teamwork, and technical skills that define modern manufacturing.

A Day That Proved Its Worth

This year’s ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day proved exactly why it has become the largest manufacturing-focused event on the East Coast. The day brought together a record-breaking 1,000+ professionals, students, educators, and government leaders to celebrate, collaborate, and shape the direction of New Jersey’s manufacturing future.

From opening remarks to the final conversation, the day delivered value across every corner of the venue

In a historic first, both New Jersey gubernatorial candidates addressed the manufacturing community in individual, moderated conversations.

Attendees participated in four impactful breakout sessions where each session offered actionable takeaways and sparked connections that carried through the rest of the day.

In the bustling exhibit hall, manufacturers connected with 80+ solution providers, industry partners, and sponsors. Right outside the venue, NJMEP’s Mobile Training Lab offered live tours, showcasing real-world training modules that help build the workforce pipeline.

The day also featured a high-energy robotics competition and student engagement zone, where students learned firsthand what manufacturing can offer — from careers to innovation.

And of course, the industry came together to recognize this year’s top achievers with the presentation of the ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Awards.

It was a celebration, a conversation, and a call to action in one. Every part of the day reinforced New Jersey’s strength as a manufacturing powerhouse, and the commitment to building an even stronger tomorrow.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. These Platinum Sponsors helped power every detail of the event — from the breakout sessions to the awards and beyond:

Gold, Silver and Blue & Bronze Sponsors, our exhibitors, and media partners also deserve thanks for their continued belief in our mission and their role in strengthening New Jersey’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Onward to 2026

‘MADE in NJ‘ Manufacturing Day 2025 may be in the rearview mirror, but its impact is only just beginning to unfold. The momentum from this year’s record-breaking celebration reinforces the importance of maintaining platforms that unite, elevate, and energize New Jersey’s manufacturing community.

Each year, NJMEP invests deeply in this event to ensure it evolves alongside the industry, not only as a celebration but as a tool for change, connection, and opportunity. With the support of sponsors, partners, students, and manufacturers, the 2025 edition reminded us all that New Jersey doesn’t just manufacture products — it manufactures progress.

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