SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) today announced the 2025 class of inductees into the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame, which recognizes the people, products and companies that have made a lasting impact on the state’s manufacturing industry.
Established in 2024, the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame celebrates more than two centuries of manufacturing in the state. Manufacturing is the largest contributor of any industry to the state’s Gross Domestic Product, supporting nearly one-third of all jobs in Illinois and contributing more than $580 billion to the state’s economy each year. Manufacturing has played a key role throughout our nation’s history, from the advent of the assembly line and the Industrial Revolution to the space race and quantum computing.
“For more than 200 years, Illinois manufacturers have created iconic products to improve our daily lives, built companies that have transformed communities, fostered visionary leaders dedicated to building a brighter tomorrow, and are reimagining the future and creating it with cutting edge technology,” said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “This year’s Hall of Fame inductees reflect our state’s proud manufacturing legacy and demonstrate that the future of manufacturing in Illinois remains strong.”
“Illinois has a storied reputation as a global hub for innovation and manufacturing, and the ongoing success of industry leaders and companies small and large is a testament to our unmatched legacy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I am proud to congratulate this year’s Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame Inductees, who have made significant contributions not just in manufacturing – but to the cultural and commercial fabric of America as well as communities across Illinois.”
The Hall of Fame inductees will be honored during a ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on June 26 at the Westin Chicago Lombard. At the event, the IMA will also partner with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center to unveil the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards winners, recognizing companies, organizations, and individuals in eight key categories.
“The manufacturing industry has a long legacy of success in Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards. “Congratulations to the new Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame inductees that have built upon the industry’s storied history in Illinois while showing the next generation that a great future can be built among the state’s world-class manufacturers.”
The 2025 Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame inductees are:
People
- Gerald Demirjian: J. Gerald Demirjian, a Decatur engineer and entrepreneur, acquired the York Division compressor line in 1987 and started TCCI Manufacturing, a global innovator in compressor and thermal management technologies. From Central Illinois to customers worldwide, TCCI has created jobs, driven innovation, and strengthened communities. Today, his legacy lives on through a family-led company powering the next generation of commercial transportation.
Barry L. MacLean: An engineer by training, Barry L. MacLean grew MacLean-Fogg into a global manufacturing leader with three dozen locations around the world. A collector of maps and art, he has dedicated his time and treasure to countless philanthropic organizations including the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry and Dartmouth College.
Suad Muthana: Suad Muthana represents the American dream, immigrating to the United States without a formal education before co-founding M&M Quality Grinding in Hodgkins. A trailblazer in the precision ground bar stock and centerless grinding services, “Mama Susie” has inspired countless generations through her journey and determination.
Products
Kraft Mac & Cheese: For more than 85 years, Kraft Mac & Cheese has been serving up comfort and smiles one bowl at a time. James Lewis Kraft introduced the product in 1937, and it quickly became a household favorite. Today, more than seven million boxes of Mac and Cheese are sold every week.
Red SOLO Cup: Created by Leo Hulseman, the iconic and best-selling red SOLO Cup is the original sign of good times. Synonymous with fun and cherished memories, the red SOLO Cup transcends generations and is a staple in today’s modern culture.
Tootsie Roll: Manufactured in Chicago since 1968, Tootsie Rolls are a chocolate taffy candy and the first penny candy to be individually wrapped in America. Invented by Leo Hirshfield in 1896, more than sixty-five million Tootsie Rolls are made daily and wrapped with easily recognizable packaging.
Companies & Organizations
- Cretors & Company: Founded in 1885, C. Cretors and Company is a 5th-generation, family-owned global leader in food processing and concession equipment. Credited as the catalyst that started the concession industry, Cretors revolutionized popcorn production in 1893 by patenting the world’s first steam-driven popcorn machine. Today, the company continues to innovate, offering cutting-edge solutions for popcorn, cotton candy, nachos, and more, all while maintaining its commitment to quality and customer service.
Ford Motor Company: Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, Ford Motor Company is a global manufacturer of automobiles with their oldest continuously operating factory located in Chicago. Producing iconic products including the Model T, Mustang, and F-150, Ford developed the assembly line, a vital manufacturing technique allowing for increased productivity and lower costs.
Horween Leather Company: Founded in 1905, Horween Leather Company produces premium leathers for a wide variety of top-quality products. In addition to providing leather for NFL footballs and NBA basketballs, Horween Leather supplies leather to makers of some of the finest shoes, boots, belts and leather goods in the world.
About the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA)
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to advocating, promoting and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois. The IMA is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States, representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities. For more information, please visit http://ima-net.org/.