Here’s the second wave of finalists for the 2020 Colorado Manufacturing Awards

As Denver flashed its diversified manufacturing economy in the first wave of CMA finalists announced last week, a Colorado Springs-based contingent emerges in this second group of industry finalists, even as Northern Colorado continues to make its case as the the most growth-oriented manufacturing community in Colorado.

Colorado Springs’ Titan Robotics and Montrose’s Mayfly Outdoors lead an innovative group in contention for the inaugural Advanced Manufacturing and Machining Award, racking up the most points in a two-round assessment of machining and operational acumen.

The state’s bioscience industry is often a quiet contributor to regional manufacturing, yet finalists in the Bioscience/Medical CMA speak loudly as one of the strongest finalist contingents in the 2020 Awards. Molecular Products, a Bioscience finalist, also contributes Angie Hellstern, one of four women selected among nominations in the Outstanding Woman in Manufacturing category, sponsored by the Colorado chapter of Women in Manufacturing.

Throw a dart at a map to locate any of a hundred quality brewers or distillers that dot the state. Colorado’s craft beverage stalwarts are among the new power players in America’s beer and spirits market — and continue to innovate to the delight of a growing number of consumers. Change agents, indeed.

Finally, Colorado’s major cannabis manufacturers and brands are leaders in the emerging national industry, and finalists in the second annual Cannabis Manufacturer of the Year award carry an even heavier industry load. Finalists this year documented progress in achieving safer, more professional operations through key certifications and audits, crucial for a sector still fighting for legitimacy — and trust.

2020 Colorado Manufacturing Awards Finalists

Outstanding Woman in Manufacturing, with Women in Manufacturing’s Colorado chapter

Debra Wilcox, The 3D Printing Store

Heidi Hostetter, Faustson Tool / H2

Susan Frank, TEI Rock Drills

Angie Hellstern, Molecular Products

Outstanding Bioscience Manufacturer

Leiters, Englewood

MBio Diagnostics, Boulder

Molecular Products, Louisville

Outstanding Cannabis Manufacturer

Medically Correct, Denver