Annual award winners

L to R; Two Rivers Enterprises owners Robert Warzecha and Dan Warzecha

Manufacturer of the Year 2024

CMMA named Two Rivers Enterprises (TRE) the 2024 Manufacturer of the Year, recognizing the company’s industry leadership, commitment to workforce development and impact in the local community.

Headquartered in Holdingford, Minn., TRE was founded in 2001 and has grown into a leader in stainless steel equipment manufacturing, providing top-tier products for the foodservice and industrial sectors. As TRE approaches its 25th anniversary, the company continues to set the standard not only in manufacturing excellence but also in cultivating the next generation of talent through a wide range of internship and apprenticeship programs.

“Your most important asset is your employee,” said Bob Warzecha, founder and CEO of TRE. “Manufacturing is an art, not just a skill. I’m a dreamer and building this company has been about more than products — it’s been about people and giving back to the community that has helped us grow.”

“Two Rivers Enterprises exemplifies what it means to be a Manufacturer of the Year,” said Lynda Bailey, executive director of CMMA. “They are building more than quality products — they are building futures, careers and community.”

TRE’s commitment to workforce development includes partnerships with state and regional programs, such as the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Youth Skills Training and Dual-Training Pipeline programs, as well as the Minnesota Department of Education’s Youth Apprenticeship Program. Additionally, TRE collaborates on internships with MnTech’s SciTech program and St. Cloud State University’s mechanical engineering department.

Les Engel, founder of Engel Metallurgical

Collaborator of the Year 2024

CMMA also named Les Engel as the 2024 Collaborator of the Year. Engel currently serves as CMMA president and board member for the Midwest Manufacturing Association. He has been a member of the Career Solutions Workforce Board for 22 years while serving as Chair of the Youth Council and a member of the Executive Committee. Additionally, Engel is on the Mechanical Engineering Industry Advisory Council (IAC) for the College of Science and Engineering at St. Cloud State University.

Engel also plays an active role in the United Way of Central Minnesota’s Youth Opportunity Impact Area where he serves on the Executive and Advisory Boards, guiding initiatives focused on improving outcomes for youth. In addition, Engel is a member of the Data Dashboard Committee, which is focused on developing a tool to provide community-wide access to critical data that aims to foster economic mobility. He is the founder of Engel Metallurgical in Sauk Rapids, Minn.

The honors received by TRE and Engel will be celebrated throughout 2025 and featured in CMMA’s “Tour of Manufacturing Magazine” which will be available at the end of September.