Europe’s economic powerhouse Germany is in a recession and EU consumers’ negative attitudes toward plastics are resulting in ill-conceived legislation. In North America, the market for plastics processing machinery shows troubling signs.

Plastic Molding Technology Inc. (El Paso, TX) reported three-year revenue growth of 59%.

The award recognizes the company’s consistent growth and commitment to Vermont, but Bethel-based GW Plastics also deserves kudos for incentivizing young people to pursue a career in advanced manufacturing and developing a program with a technical college to help them achieve that.