Anthony Ratica Named President of Skilcraft, LLC

It was an honor for Skilcraft to be named Manufacturer of the Year (small business category) at last night's Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) awards ceremony. We're proud to be recognized alongside fellow honorees Novelis and Roll Forming Corporation. Skilcraft General Manager, John Zurborg, accepted the award on behalf of Skilcraft's dedicated team. This achievement reflects our commitment to serving our customers and bringing their innovative ideas to life through world-class metal fabrication and manufacturing. From the KAM news release... The Kentucky Association of Manufacturers honored Hebron-based Skilcraft as its Small Manufacturer of the Year at the organization’s 2023 Awards Dinner on Nov. 2 in Bowling Green. Skilcraft has been an integral component of the Northern Kentucky business community since its founding in Burlington in 1965, and the company continues to innovate and utilize new techniques and materials. Skilcraft provides complex sheet metal fabrication solutions to a variety of industries, and Organizational Development Director Dean McKay said the company values working with customers that are looking for a partner. The company’s largest customers are world changing leaders in the aviation and private space industry. The criteria considerations for the Manufacturer of the Year Award include “advocacy in promoting the advancement of manufacturing and industry in Kentucky, corporate citizenship providing leadership in making a key contribution to the quality of life in the Commonwealth, and innovation and entrepreneurial leadership in regards to products, production methods, or services. Skilcraft prides itself on employees’ high standards, and floor operators at the company are trained to find their own mistakes during product manufacturing. “I’m so proud of the hard work and dedication our employees bring to the job every day,” said Skilcraft General Manager John Zurborg. “Skilcraft is proud to be one of many contributors to the region’s thriving advanced manufacturing ecosystem, which is a vital industry for Northern Kentucky’s economic prosperity.” Skilcraft and its employees are also involved with the community in many ways. McKay is the chair of the Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board and was recognized for his service with a community award from the Northern Kentucky Area Development District. To grow the region’s workforce, the company helps young people become familiar with the manufacturing industry. They work with students from the Boone County Area Technology Center (ATC), Ignite Institute, University of Cincinnati, and other local schools. Eight Skilcraft employees, five of whom have been with the company for 10 or more years, were previously ATC interns with the company. McKay said there are great careers in manufacturing that don’t require a four-year degree. His team loves working with young people and he said there are good pathways for growth at Skilcraft. The company continues to add to its team, announcing an expansion in 2022. They are investing $8.4 million into their Hebron facility, creating 14 new jobs at an average wage of $32/hour. “As communities throughout the country try to find solutions to workforce challenges, we love to see companies like Skilcraft take initiative to build up the workforce pipeline,” said Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore. “Boone County’s young adults will be well prepared to take on manufacturing jobs as the industry continues to grow in Northern Kentucky.”