NC State University Industry Extension Services proudly announces the winners of the 2026 State Manufacturing Leadership Awards, recognizing North Carolina manufacturers that demonstrate excellence across innovation, workforce development, sustainability, community impact, and operational performance.

The awards were presented at the North Carolina Manufacturing Conference (MFGCON), celebrating companies that are shaping the future of manufacturing across the state.

Continuous Improvement Award: Queen City Engineering & Design – Concord

Congratulations to Queen City Engineering & Design, who was one of the recipients of this year’s State Manufacturing Leadership Awards.

Queen City Engineering & Design earned recognition for Continuous Improvement through its transformation into a systems-driven organization. By implementing ISO 9001 standards, ERP integration, advanced scheduling automation, and supplier management processes, the company has strengthened quality, efficiency, and scalability. These improvements have enabled expansion into new markets and Tier One supplier relationships, reinforcing a culture where innovation and process excellence drive long-term growth.

Click here to view the full list of award recipients.