Generac: A Wisconsin Powerhouse Earns Top Manufacturing Award Nomination

WAUKESHA, Wis. – February 20, 2026 – Generac Holdings Inc., a company synonymous with power generation for over six decades, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Mega Category for the 37th Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards. This recognition places the Waukesha-based company among the state's industrial elite, celebrating its deep-rooted commitment to Wisconsin's economy, its recent surge in technological innovation, and its significant community impact.

The MOTY Awards, sponsored by key state organizations including Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), Baker Tilly, and Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, are the state's premier program for recognizing manufacturing excellence. Being named a finalist, particularly in the Mega Category reserved for companies with over 1,000 employees, signifies a substantial and sustained contribution to the state's leading industry.

A 65-Year Legacy of Local Investment

For more than 65 years, Generac has been a pillar of Wisconsin's manufacturing landscape. What began in 1959 has grown into a global energy technology leader that still calls the Badger State home. The company's deep ties are evident in its extensive physical and economic footprint, which includes ten locations across Wisconsin, six of which are dedicated manufacturing facilities employing over 4,800 people.

"For more than 65 years, we have called Wisconsin home," said Aaron Jagdfeld, Generac Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, in a recent statement. "Being named a finalist reflects our commitment to advancing technology and supporting Wisconsin's manufacturing community. We are proud to design, build and scale solutions here and look forward to continuing to invest in our great state."

This commitment is not just a matter of history; it is an ongoing investment strategy. In 2025, Generac underscored this promise by opening its newest and most advanced manufacturing facility in Beaver Dam. The sprawling 345,000-square-foot plant represents a major capital investment in the region's economy and is projected to bring hundreds of new jobs. Simultaneously, the company strengthened its existing operations in Oshkosh, launching a new product line specifically to meet the surging global demand for backup power in data centers.

Powering the Future of Energy and AI

While its roots are firmly planted in Wisconsin soil, Generac's vision is fixed on solving global energy challenges. The company's nomination reflects a remarkable year of innovation in 2025, with product launches that address some of the most pressing trends in the energy and technology sectors.

In the residential market, Generac unveiled the most significant upgrade to its home energy product line in a decade. Facing growing concerns over grid instability and rising utility costs, homeowners are increasingly seeking control and resilience. The new system offers enhanced integration with Generac's broader ecosystem of products, including solar and battery storage, empowering consumers to manage their energy use more effectively.

Perhaps most notably, the company's Commercial & Industrial division is directly addressing the power demands of the artificial intelligence revolution. The rapid growth of AI has created an insatiable need for data centers, which require massive amounts of uninterrupted power. Generac responded by introducing a new line of high-capacity generators specifically engineered for the unique needs of hyperscale, colocation, and edge data centers. This strategic move positions Generac as a critical infrastructure provider for one of the world's fastest-growing technology sectors.

Further diversifying its portfolio in the renewable energy space, the company's Energy Technology division also announced PWRmicro, a powerful and installer-friendly microinverter. This technology is designed to maximize the energy captured from individual solar panels, boosting the efficiency and output of residential solar installations and strengthening the company's position as a comprehensive home energy solutions provider.

Beyond the Factory Floor: Investing in People and Communities

Generac's influence extends far beyond its factory walls and balance sheets. The MOTY award criteria place a strong emphasis on community support and employee commitment, areas where the company has demonstrated a profound and long-term dedication.

Through its philanthropic arm, 'Generac Gives,' the company donated approximately $1 million in 2025 to organizations focused on education, disaster relief, and community vitality. This financial support is complemented by the volunteer efforts of its employees, who contribute thousands of hours annually to hundreds of nonprofit organizations.

A cornerstone of its community investment is its focus on building the next generation of skilled workers. Generac recently received the Founding Partner Legacy Award, a distinction honoring its 25-year partnership with GPS Education Partners. This organization creates youth apprenticeship programs that provide high school students with invaluable hands-on experience and technical instruction in the manufacturing field. For a quarter-century, Generac has provided mentorship, real-world work environments, and strategic support to help close the manufacturing skills gap and build a sustainable talent pipeline for the entire state.

A Competitive Field of Industrial Titans

The honor of being a finalist is amplified by the caliber of the competition. In the Mega Category, Generac stands alongside other Wisconsin industrial giants such as Brakebush Brothers Inc., Eaton Corporation, and Milwaukee Tool. The rigorous, independent judging process evaluates companies on a wide range of metrics, including financial growth, technological advancement, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship.

Generac's selection as a finalist is a testament to its comprehensive excellence across all these domains. It recognizes not only the company's historical significance and economic might but also its forward-thinking strategy and deep-seated role as a corporate citizen. As Wisconsin's manufacturing sector continues its evolution, the nomination highlights how legacy companies are not just adapting to change, but actively leading it.