Michigan Business Beat | Paul Patrash, Elite Mold & Engineering, MMA Honors Award-Winning Innovation

Chris Holman welcomes Paul Patrash, President and CEO of Elite Mold and Engineering, Shelby Twp., MI. Welcome Paul, tell us about Elite Mold and Engineering? With more than 40 years in Michigan manufacturing How have technologies like Carbon DLS additive manufacturing and Mantle metal 3D printing transformed your operations, and what advantages do they bring your customers today? For manufacturers evaluating tooling or mold-making partners, what sets Elite’s precision, craftsmanship, and engineering approach apart from others in the industry? How does Elite contribute to advancing the innovative manufacturing community ecosystem, and what role do you see your company playing in the state’s next decade of innovation? Winning the Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award reflects the work of your entire team. What aspects of Elite’s culture or workforce development efforts make innovation possible inside your organization? Now that Elite Mold & Engineering has gone on to win the Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award, how do you plan to leverage this recognition to expand capabilities, reach new customers, or accelerate future technology investments? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ The annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards is a celebration of the remarkable individuals, groundbreaking products and innovative organizations that are shaping the future of our industry. Established to recognize what makes Michigan manufacturing the best in the world, this one-of-a-kind awards program reflects the strength, ingenuity and resilience of a sector that touches every aspect of our economy and daily lives. The Manufacturing Excellence Awards are a powerful reminder of the passion, dedication and impact our community delivers every day. MMA’s program features eleven distinct awards, including the popular Coolest Thing Made in Michigan — a people’s choice favorite. The excitement of the summer Nomination Period builds momentum through a series of fall announcements and two rounds of voting, all of which will culminate in a prestigious evening of recognition — an unforgettable celebration that honors the heart and soul of Michigan manufacturing. After more than 120 years since our founding, MMA remains steadfast in its mission to serve as a unifying champion for Michigan manufacturers. As a nonprofit representing the most diverse manufacturing hub in the world, we continue to lead with integrity and purpose — through legislative advocacy, workforce development, education, cost-saving programs and opportunities to connect and grow. 2025 Winners The 2025 Award winners were honored in November at a well-attended ceremony. John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Large Tier Amsted Automotive (Saginaw) John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Small Tier Observable Space (Adrian) Coolest Thing Made in Michigan PF1000 Prime Focus System, Observable Space (Adrian) Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement Award William H. Dobbins, Caster Concepts (Albion) Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Elite Mold and Engineering (Shelby Township) Manufacturing Talent Champion Bekum America Apprenticeship Program (Williamston) Manufacturing Woman of the Year Laurie Harbour, Wipfli (Southfield) Lisa Renee Conn, Llink Technologies (Brown City) Manufacturing Community Impact Goodwill Integrated Solutions (Dearborn) Manufacturing Sustainability powered by Consumers Energy Hemlock Semiconductor LLC (Hemlock) Michigan Manufactured Export of the Year One Way Clutch, Means Industries, an Amsted Automotive Company (Saginaw) Manufacturing Emerging Leader Olivia Ostrander, Powell Fabrication & Manufacturing LLC (St. Louis) Zackery Bishop, 4 Flutes Machining (Vicksburg)