Arizona Manufacturers Council announces Valley Forge & Bolt as 2026 Small Manufacturer of the Year. October 14, 2026 16:03 The Arizona Manufacturers Council has announced the recipients of the 2026 Manufacturer of the Year Awards, recognizing companies making an impact across Arizona's manufacturing sector. These awards recognize excellence across seven categories, from manufacturing growth and innovation to sustainability and industry leadership. "Arizona manufacturers continue to grow, invest and innovate in ways that strengthen the state's economy and expand what gets made here," said Grace Appelbe, executive director of the Arizona Manufacturers Council. "This year's honorees reflect the depth of that work, from longstanding Arizona companies to major industrial operations and emerging technologies." Small Manufacturer of the Year - Valley Forge & Bolt: Recognized for its fastener solutions used in demanding environments as well as its patented technology that allows operators to monitor bolt tension in real time, allowing for improved safety, reliability, and maintenance, Valley Forge & Bolt is honored to receive this designation from the Arizona Manufacturers Council and Vfbolts look forward to continuing its mission supporting mining, oil and gas, and other critical environments around the globe. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, in partnership with the Arizona Manufacturers Council, also hosted The Hottest Thing Made in Arizona competition where Valley Forge & Bolt also came out on top. This award is a celebration of the state's innovative and dynamic manufacturing community as one of the fastest-growing manufacturing sectors in the country, employing more than 630,000 people and contributing over $77 billion annually to Arizona's economy. Valley Forge & Bolt was named a finalist in September 2026, and voting opened to the public. Just after receiving the Small Manufacturer of the Year award at the annual awards ceremony, it was revealed that Vfbolts also won the Hottest Thing Made in Arizona competition. Vfbolts is grateful to be recognized for the hard work and innovation Vfbolts strive toward every day for both its local Arizona community as well as the customers Vfbolts support around the globe.

Vfbolts is in the running for the 2026 Hottest Thing Made in Arizona. September 22, 2026 16:46 Vfbolts is excited to share that its Wireless SPC4(R) Load Indicating System is one of three finalists for the 2026 Hottest Thing Made in Arizona! The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, in partnership with the Arizona Manufacturers Council, officially announced the top three finalists in the fourth annual statewide competition, presented by Grand Canyon University. Now it's up to the public to choose the winner! Valley Forge & Bolt Mfg. Co. is an Arizona-based manufacturer that has developed patented technologies and innovative solutions that have changed the trajectory of reliability in bolted joints in industrial applications across the globe. Trusted for its quality, performance, and credibility, its manufacturing technologies let customers monitor a fastener's load while in service, improving safety, increasing uptime, and significantly reducing operating costs. Its Wireless SPC4(R) Load Indicating System, which includes the 720R Probe and Gateway, provides reliability engineers in industrial environments the ability to continuously monitor the condition of critical fasteners, enabling predictive maintenance strategies. "This year's top three reflect the diversity of Arizona manufacturing, from lifesaving medical devices and precision industrial technology to Arizona-brewed craft beer," said Grace Appelbe, executive director of the Arizona Manufacturers Council. "That diversity is exactly what this competition is meant to highlight, along with the companies and skilled teams behind the products made here." The Hottest Thing Made in Arizona competition was launched in 2023 to highlight the range and strength of Arizona's manufacturing sector, with past winners including Boeing's AH-64 Apache helicopter, the Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor, and Honeywell Aerospace's 131-9 auxiliary power unit. Public voting is open through Oct. 13, with one vote allowed per day per device. Cast your vote at HottestThingAZ.com.