Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Hosts 2025 Annual Luncheon
Ferrero honored as Manufacturer of the Year
CHICAGO – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) today hosted its 132nd Annual Luncheon at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, bringing together business leaders, elected officials and other stakeholders to celebrate the state’s dynamic and diverse manufacturing industry, which contributes more than $580 billion to Illinois’ economy each year.
During the luncheon, Ferrero, the fastest growing confectionery company in North America, was presented with the 2025 Barry L. MacLean Manufacturer of the Year Award. Ferrero has a significant presence in Illinois, including its Innovation Center and North America R&D labs in Chicago and a production facility in Franklin Park that manufactures Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, and soon the new Nutella Peanut. A manufacturing campus in Bloomington produces some of Ferrero’s iconic brands including Kinder Bueno, CRUNCH, and 100 Grand as well as chocolate for the Ferrero portfolio. In addition, regional favorite Fannie May sells chocolate at more than 40 locations across the state.
Ferrero’s story began in 1946 in Alba, Italy, where confectioner Pietro Ferrero crafted a unique blend of hazelnuts and cocoa that would become the foundation for the beloved Nutella brand. From those humble beginnings, Ferrero has grown into a global leader in confections, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and family values.
“We’re thrilled to honor Ferrero as the 2025 Manufacturer of the Year in recognition of the company’s imagination, ingenuity, and continued investment in Illinois,” said Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “From the iconic Nutella spread to premium chocolates, Ferrero treats and snacks are household staples and the foundation of memorable moments for families across the globe. Ferrero truly represents the best qualities of the manufacturing industry.”
The Manufacturer of the Year Award is presented annually in recognition of a company’s leadership in advocating for the manufacturing industry at the local and national level; excellence in creating a lasting impact on stakeholders, companies, and markets; commitment to innovation, research and development, or technological advancement; workforce development and diversity; community engagement and long-term commitment to charitable and philanthropic efforts and support for sustainable methods of production.
“We are honored to accept this recognition, which is made possible by our team members throughout Illinois who embody the Ferrero passion for quality, creativity, and innovation,” said Michael Lindsey, President and Chief Business Officer of Ferrero North America. “We are committed to investing in Illinois and making America’s favorite treats here.”
In addition, Linda McGill-Boasmond, Owner and President of Chicago-based Cedar Concepts Corporation, was presented with the Janice M. Christiansen Leadership Award, which was established by the IMA in 2023 to recognize a woman leader, trailblazer and mentor. McGill-Boasmond leads the country’s first and only African American, woman-owned chemical manufacturing company, which processes raw materials used in a wide range of personal-care, household, industrial and agricultural products marketed under many familiar brand names. She entered the manufacturing industry after graduating from DePaul University with a degree in chemistry and is passionate about fostering interest in manufacturing by women and youth. She actively supports initiatives that encourage girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. In 2020, she made history as the first African American to serve as Chair of the IMA Board of Directors.
The luncheon also featured a keynote panel moderated by Ben Grimes, Corporate Vice President, US Manufacturing & Mobility at Microsoft. Grimes provides executive leadership and strategic guidance to industry-focused customers both domestically and globally at Microsoft. Panelists included some the nation’s leading manufacturing executives: Jane Barr, President – Americas, Rockwell Automation; David M. Foulkes, CEO, Brunswick Corporation; and Marshall Lancaster, Chief Information Officer, Medline.
