Dane Manufacturing Wins Top Award, Fusing High-Tech and a People-First Ethos

WAUNAKEE, Wis. – January 07, 2026 – In an industry often defined by steel and machinery, Dane Manufacturing, a metal fabricator with over a century of history, has been recognized for a different kind of strength: its culture. The company was just named the winner of the prestigious 2026 Industry Award by The Fabricator and the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA), a distinction that honors its remarkable growth, operational excellence, and profound commitment to its employees and community.

The award, which will be formally presented at the FMA Annual Meeting in February, places a spotlight on Dane Manufacturing’s unique model—one that marries massive investment in cutting-edge technology with a deeply ingrained "Employees Come First" philosophy. It’s a strategy that has propelled the Waunakee-based company to an astounding 191% revenue growth since 2020, a figure that dramatically outpaces the U.S. fabricated metal industry's average growth rate of just under 10% annually over the same period.

A New Blueprint for Industrial Success

The Fabricator's Industry Award is more than a simple acknowledgment of financial success; it is one of the sector's most respected honors, recognizing companies that set a benchmark for the entire industry. The rigorous evaluation process weighs operational improvements, market success, and community involvement, seeking a holistic model of excellence. Past recipients represent a who's who of American manufacturing, making Dane Manufacturing's selection a significant endorsement of its strategy.

This recognition comes after a period of explosive expansion for the company, which saw an 18% revenue increase in 2025 alone and is on track to surpass $50 million in annual revenue. This isn't a fleeting success; the company has been a consistent performer, appearing on The Fabricator's Fab 40 list of top U.S. fabricators for nine consecutive years and earning a Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award in 2023. The latest award, however, solidifies its position not just as a successful business, but as a thought leader shaping the future of manufacturing.

The Technological Edge: Speed, Precision, and Cybertrucks

At the heart of Dane Manufacturing's operational prowess is an aggressive and forward-thinking investment strategy. The company has poured resources into state-of-the-art automation, most notably acquiring a Trumpf 5000 Bend Center—the same high-tech system famously used by Tesla to form the angular, stainless-steel exoskeleton of its Cybertruck. This machine allows for unparalleled precision and speed in bending metal panels, a critical capability for complex, high-tolerance projects.

Complementing this is the high-speed Trumpf TruLaser Tube 5000, a machine that operates three times faster than the company's previous technology. This laser cutter's advanced automation, including self-centering systems and weld seam detection, allows for continuous, high-speed processing of metal tubes and profiles. This investment has been a game-changer, enabling Dane to effectively serve the booming data center market, supplying essential components for industry giants like Amazon Web Services, Meta, and Microsoft.

By adopting this level of technology, Dane Manufacturing gains a significant competitive advantage in a crowded market. The automation boosts production capacity, reduces lead times, minimizes material waste, and expands the company's ability to take on intricate designs that competitors cannot. It's a strategic embrace of the future that has allowed a 100-year-old firm to become a critical partner for some of the most innovative technology companies in the world.

The Human Element: Investing in People as the Core Asset

While advanced machinery provides the power, Dane's leadership insists the true engine of its success is its people. The company champions an "Employees Come First" culture that has resulted in exceptionally low turnover and employee engagement metrics in the 90th percentile—a remarkable achievement in a manufacturing sector grappling with a persistent skilled labor shortage, particularly in states like Wisconsin.

"This award belongs to the entire team. We have a great team of people who come together and make exceptional parts for our customers," said Troy F. Berg, Dane's President and CEO, in a statement. "This is a tough job, but if we enrich the lives of our employees and give them the tools to win every day, we have found they take incredible care of our loyal customers. This award is proof that when you focus on people, the growth follows."

This philosophy is not just a slogan; it's an actionable strategy. The company recently launched the Dane Academy, an on-site learning and development center dedicated to employee growth. The curriculum is impressively diverse, offering everything from technical training on Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) principles to foundational courses like English as a Second Language (ESL), ensuring all team members have a pathway for advancement. This investment in human capital directly addresses the industry's biggest challenge—attracting and retaining talent—by creating a workplace where employees feel valued and see a future.

More Than Metal: Forging Purpose and Community

Dane Manufacturing's commitment to enrichment extends beyond its factory walls and into the surrounding community. The company's leadership views its success as a vehicle for broader social impact, a principle backed by a policy of reinvesting 95% of its profits back into new technology, job creation, and philanthropic efforts.

This community-centric approach was on full display in 2025 when the company hosted a packing event for the local organization Food For Kidz. Leveraging its own facility space and logistics expertise, Dane's team helped assemble an incredible 320,000 meals for hungry families in the region. In addition, the company is a consistent donor to dozens of Dane County charities, supporting everything from youth sports and educational programs to first responders.

This deep integration with the community reinforces the company's core mission. "We exist to enable the enrichment of everyone who interacts with our company," Berg added. "Whether it's reinvesting 95% of our profits back into new technology and jobs, or opening our doors to help the community, we want our team to feel they are part of something bigger than themselves. That sense of shared purpose is the true engine of our success."

By successfully weaving together technological innovation, a people-centric culture, and genuine community engagement, Dane Manufacturing has crafted more than just metal parts. It has built a resilient, high-growth business model that serves as a powerful example for the future of American industry, proving that a company's greatest asset will always be its people.