Larsen Manufacturing, a Chicago-based metal parts manufacturer, has achieved what is more and more difficult in today’s domestic manufacturing environment: double digit growth on a year over year basis for the last five years. So how did they do it?

Larsen Manufacturing
Larsen Manufacturing, a Chicago-based metal parts manufacturer, has achieved what is more and more difficult in today’s domestic manufacturing environment: double digit growth on a year over year basis for the last five years. So how did they do it?
National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM)
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has proactively supported its members for thirty years from its headquarters in Topeka, Kansas. Its growing membership is a testament to its ability to engage, cooperate, inform and advocate.
Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation
Not often do you find four generations working in the same corporation, but that is exactly how the Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation in Danbury, Connecticut has operated since 1920. The company has come a long way since the early days and is proud to launch a number of new products this year.
Cincinnati Incorporated
Cincinnati Incorporated, now branded as CI, boasts a legacy of innovation, strength and performance. After more than a century of success, it shows no signs of stopping or slowing down. This is one of a handful of US-based build-to-order machine tool manufacturers.
General Plastics, Inc.
As a manufacturing process, thermoforming boasts many cost, aesthetic and performance advantages over other manufacturing processes. Thermoforming consist of heating plastic sheet to a precise temperature point where it is pliable. Then it is quickly formed into the desired part shape using vacuum or pressure forming techniques. Once the part is vacuumed down on the mold, water running through the aluminum tool is used to cool the material down to permanently set the final part geometry.
Aparium Hotel Group
In today’s world, hotel guests expect more than a tidy room, a comfortable bed, and a place to sleep and shower – they want experiences, and few hotels are better equipped to meet and exceed the expectations of travelers and locals alike than Aparium.
Waxy's Modern Irish Bar
Arguably, there are more Irish bars in North America than any other themed establishments. It is a staple of any town but particularly present in Massachusetts, where Waxy’s Modern Irish Bar is as authentic as it gets. The food, of course, includes Irish fare to go along with pub favorites, but there is so much more to Waxy’s. It is an Irish pub that strives to be a genuine representation of modern Ireland. Business in Focus spoke with Director of Marketing & Events Julie Doherty about this rapidly expanding concept.
The Matador
The Matador – a restaurant known for its Mexican cuisine and extensive tequila bar – has been offering its customers a unique experience and quality food ever since its inception. From its beautiful works of art to its décor and atmosphere, its owners have put their passion to work, and their hearts into creating this one-of-a-kind establishment.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
When Steven Greenberg set out to open 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, the concept was simple: create a space that allowed tourists and locals alike to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City’s streets. With that in mind, he selected the rooftop of an iconic building in the Flatiron district of Manhattan, and a new standard in nightlife was born.
The Pig ‘n’ Whistle Group
The Pig ‘n’ Whistle Group has been serving up good cheer, great food and drink and friendly service at a series of Irish-style pubs and restaurants for decades. The group operates thirteen locations in total, a dozen in Manhattan and one in Dublin. While these locations vary in décor, menus and ambiance, they aim to blend old-world Irish charm with contemporary food and drink trends.
Astro Machine Works
Astro Machine Works is a comprehensive machining and fabrication facility that specializes in custom machine building, machined parts, and fabrication. With more than three decades of experience serving a diverse range of industries, and a team of highly qualified experts – some having been with the company since the very beginning – Astro has truly become a complete solutions provider.
Paragon Metals
Paragon Metals is a global company that specializes in manufactured precision-engineered metal components and is devoted to meeting its customers’ needs while offering great service and competitive pricing.
Nationwide Boiler Incorporated
Nationwide Boiler Incorporated has rented and sold boilers and related equipment to clients in six continents and provided essential equipment to restore steam services after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City. Now celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, the company attributes its longevity to a simple combination of excellent products and quality service. The Fremont, California-based firm has also developed an expertise in environmentally friendly boiler solutions.
Johnston Boiler Company
Since its founding in 1864 in Ferrysburg, Michigan, Johnston Boiler Company, a pioneer of the Scotch Marine boiler system has been the unsung hero of the industry, providing steam power to such diverse industries as Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, food processing plants, utilities and distilleries. Customers looking for reliability, efficiency, longevity, and low emissions, along with a customized approach, can find all this and more at Johnston.
Leader Tech
Leader Tech is a U.S. manufacturer of EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) shielding products for various applications including enclosures for electronic devices, circuit boards, and interconnect cabling. Electromagnetic interference is what’s happening if you hear your car radio buzz when your cellphone rings, and it’s the reason you’re supposed to turn your cellphone off on an airplane. Electronic devices can interfere with each other, but by encasing them in EMI shielding material, you can reduce that interference to some degree.
Epic Polymer
A Zen proverb simply states that the obstacle is the path. A confusing phrase for most but upon reflection, it carries a significant meaning. All obstacles can rightly be perceived as challenges. Most will shy away from a challenge, preferring to remain within the realm of the status quo, the secure and safe, carrying on business as usual.
GP:50 NY Ltd.
When it comes to precise and dependable pressure sensing instrumentation, GP:50 NY Ltd. is one of the world’s leading suppliers and a highly recognized and respected name. Each day, customers from many industries rely on its products, most of which are customized to address unique needs and requirements.
The Bumpy Road Ahead
Some call it green energy, while others refer to it as sustainable or renewable, but it all comes down to one thing: the ability to meet today’s energy requirements without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their power needs. Unlike the five fossil fuels formed over millions of years from decaying organic matter – coal, oil, petroleum, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas – sources of sustainable energy such as solar, wind and water power are virtually endless.
Global Water Resources
Global Water Resources is a water resource management company that employs a concept called “Total Water Management” to offer water, wastewater, and recycled water utility services to customers in several areas within the state of Arizona.
The Marlin Company
Effective communication with employees is paramount to safety, productivity, and morale in the workplace. The Marlin Company understands this well, and provides visual communication platforms that empower companies to communicate more effectively to their employees.
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Entrepreneurship Among Women Veterans
The United States is home to more than 2 million women veterans—and this number is on the rise. In 2000, women veterans made up just four percent of the veteran population, but that figure is predicted to make a dramatic leap to 18 percent by 2040, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Red Deer County, Alberta
With a population of almost 20,000 (and growing), Red Deer County offers a unique composition of urban and rural, village and country, industry and agriculture. The region pays homage to its existing industries and its agricultural foundation while keeping its sights set on the future.
Maricopa Economic Development Alliance
Maricopa, Arizona is enjoying remarkable growth as newcomers are drawn to the community’s economic opportunity, exceptional diversity, quality of life, and affordability, which make the city an attractive alternative to nearby Phoenix. Since 2000, Maricopa’s population has skyrocketed from approximately 1,200 people to 75,000. Just two decades ago, “We were nothing but farmland,” says Christian Price, the former Maricopa mayor and current President and CEO of the Maricopa Economic Development Alliance (MEDA).
IWCD
Construction is an ever-changing industry, and the businesses that not only survive but also thrive have the willingness to adapt. British Columbia-based Island West Coast Developments Ltd. (IWCD) is one of those companies.
ASI, A Division of Thermal Technologies
Taking great pride in workmanship is a top priority for ASI, a company with more than 35 years of experience in specialized drying, curing, and cooling solutions for both the U.S. and overseas.
Vector Controls and Automation Group
Vector Controls and Automation Group (Vector CAG) is an established representative, distributor, service and solution partner for several manufacturers. The company was born on March 6, 2013 from a concept that took two years to fully realize after President and Managing Partner Jared Boudreaux, having worked for Endress+Hauser, working with their leadership and consultants to consolidate representatives in the market and geography.