Contollo MA Manufacturing of Franklin, Massachusetts was nominated for the Manufacturer of the Year Award at the Fifth Annual Manufacturing Award Ceremony during a virtual ceremony. Contollo was nominated by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). Contollo supports the medical industry with products manufactured in the United States and has helped keep the community safe in battling COVID-19. 

In Latin, Contollo means to bring together, and this is what exactly the manufacturer has done during the pandemic. At the beginning of the pandemic, the founders were able to see the desperate need for personal protective equipment and were able to repurpose an old factory and start production within six weeks.  

A team of state and local officials, led by Rep. Jeff Roy and Franklin Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, worked with the company to get the infrastructure and permitting in place to begin production in just six weeks. Contollo now produces over 60,000 gowns a week and has created 50 new jobs. 

As part of its commitment to the community, Contollo has donated thousands of PPE Gowns to several local fire departments and Milford Regional Medical Center to aid in addressing the pandemic. 

“This year, more than ever, making it in Massachusetts has taken on a new meaning because of the commitment and endurance of our manufacturers,” said Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus.  “Massachusetts manufacturers have proudly adapted and pivoted in response to the pandemic, producing desperately needed Personal Protection Equipment and other vitally important products in response to the pandemic.”

“It has been incredible to watch as Massachusetts manufacturers have stepped up to support the fight against COVID-19, pivoting their operations to create PPE and other critical supplies that protect our healthcare workers and help businesses open safely,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “We applaud all the companies and small businesses recognized this year, and our administration looks forward to continuing to partner with the Legislature to support the skills training, equipment and infrastructure needed for continued sector growth.”

The event was the state’s Fifth Annual Manufacturing Award Ceremony sponsored by the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus. Although the event is usually held in the State House, this year it was ‘Reimagined’ thanks to MassMEP holding the ceremony via a webinar. In all, 52 companies were recognized for truly “making it” in Massachusetts and each will be featured in a commemorative magazine.

Representative Roy, Senator Eric P. Lesser (Co-Chair of the Caucus), Secretary of Housing & Economic Development Michael Kennealy, House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, Senate President Karen E. Spilka and Mr. John Killam, President and CEO of MassMEP offered remarks at the ceremony. 

“It is always a pleasure to recognize the efforts and milestones in innovation each year with my fellow Manufacturing Caucus Co-Chair Representative Roy,” said Senator Lesser. “In the early stages of the pandemic, many of the manufacturers recognized today went above and beyond to help their communities and assist in the fight against the virus by producing PPE, testing components, and connecting people with vital resources. This award is one way to thank them for the impactful and innovative work they’ve done and will continue to do.”

Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes more than 60 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees; encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources; and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors.