APPLE VALLEY, Minn. — Uponor North America was recently named a 2022 Minnesota Manufacturer of the Year honoree in the large company category by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal (MSPBJ). The honor marks the first time Uponor has been named a top manufacturer by the MSPBJ, with a previous honor in their manufacturing sustainability category in 2020. This is the fifth year the publication has recognized organizations that are driving Minnesota’s economy, while also growing their companies.

The MSPBJ also selected Jennifer Hauschildt, chief human resources officer, Uponor Group, as an emerging leader honoree in the Twin Cities. Her contributions in developing the company’s People First strategic initiative, including the Flexible First working model, was a key driver in this recognition.

As part of the Manufacturer of the Year – large company honor, the MSPBJ recognized Jon Sillerud, vice president, operations, Uponor North America, for his leadership during the pandemic and ability to pivot production capabilities during global supply chain challenges. Sillerud has overseen double-digit growth at Uponor, doubled production staff in the past six years, and was responsible for overseeing the company’s 12^th and 13^th expansions in North America since 1990. In 2021 alone, Uponor broke ground on more than 83,000 square feet of expanded production space at its Hutchinson and Lakeville, Minn., facilities.

“To have our leaders and company recognized as a Minnesota Manufacturer of the Year is a humbling honor. The manufacturing landscape across Minnesota yields so much incredible global innovation, and to know we are recognized as one of the top companies in the state is a direct reflection of the contribution of our employees here at Uponor,” noted John Reutter, interim president and vice president, finance, Uponor North America.

The MSPBJ will be featuring Uponor, along with all of its honorees, in a July article.