Press Release|

2014 Montana Manufacturer of the Year (Randy Jones and Gov. Steve Bullock).

The Montana Manufacturing Council (MMC), a subsidiary of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the winner of the 2014 Montana Manufacturer of the Year award – Bitterroot Tool and Machine (BTM) of Stevensville.  “Their diversity in product line, commitment to employees and community, and ability to weather challenging economic times over the years exemplify an admirable, progressive company,” said Tom Spika of Spika Welding and Manufacturing in Lewistown.

Spika is current Chair of the MMC and winner of the 2012 Manufacturer of the Year award.  He will emcee the award presentation to BTM by Governor Steve Bullock at Manufacturing & International Trade Day, March 16 in Helena.  The public is welcome: www.MontanaChamber.com/about-us/our-international-programs/Trade-Day.

BTM has been in operation since 1999, starting with personal grain and flour mills under the GrainMaker® name, utilizing one of Montana’s best ag resources.  Still located in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley, they also serve the dental, ammunition, gun, security and aerospace industries with innovative machine and die designs.

BTM is built with a highly motivated workforce and skilled toolmakers and believes, “Precision is not just a skill.  It’s our Philosophy”.  Learn more about this company by visiting www.BitterrootToolAndMachine.com and/or www.GrainMaker.com.

Paul Polzin, Director Emeritus of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research in Missoula noted, “Montana manufacturing continues to be important for all Montana businesses and is firmly positioned in both the “new economy” and more traditional sectors.  Montana manufacturers account for roughly 18 percent of the state’s economic base.  This means manufacturing is one of the major drivers of the statewide economy and its growth will translate into better conditions in Montana other sectors-such as retail trade and the services.”

Noting the importance of Montana’s agricultural base, George Haynes, Professor of Agricultural Economics in Bozeman said, “The agricultural sector is vitally important to the economy of Montana.  The sector’s challenge, however, is to increase their share of income and jobs in the economy.  Growth in value-added agriculture and manufacturing is critically important to income and job growth in this sector and the general economy.”

MMC is the statewide association for manufacturers and their supporters.  MMC helps build manufacturing in Montana in several ways: connecting manufacturers and supporters to build business; advocating for legislation and rules that benefit manufacturing; supporting and promoting international trade; and educating Montanans about the importance of manufacturing.  Go to www.MontanaManufacturingCouncil.com for details.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of 10:30 AM, Friday, February 27, 2015

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