Generator manufacturer Generac Holdings, Waukesha, Wis., was one of eight companies presented with Wisconsin's Manufacturer of the Year award. Generac won in the “Mega” category (companies with 750 employees or more) and was recognized at an event at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee in February.
Founded in 1959, Generac was the first company to engineer affordable home standby generators, along with the first engine developed specifically for the rigors of generator use. The company expanded into generators for small and mid-sized businesses, and its product line now includes portable, recreational vehicle, residential, commercial and industrial generators. In 2011, Generac added 400 new jobs at all Generac locations and 70 new jobs at their newly-purchased company, Magnum.