Alliance Laundry Systems, the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial laundry equipment,  received its second Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award in the Special Award category for “Investing Locally, Growing Globally” on Feb. 27 at the awards program banquet.  Alliance was one of nine Wisconsin companies recognized, out of 34 companies nominated, for a 2013 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award.

This is second year in a row that the company has been honored by the program; last year Alliance won a Special Award for “Market Leadership.”  Bruce Rounds, Alliance Laundry Systems’ Chief Financial Officer, accepted the award at the ceremony in Milwaukee.

“We are delighted to have been honored again by the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award program. This is truly a testament to the hard work that each of our employees puts in every day,” noted Alliance Chief Executive Officer and President Mike Schoeb. “What started as a small Ripon company more than 100 years ago has grown into the largest manufacturer of commercial laundry equipment in the world. Our success continues to be derived from our commitment to innovation and customer service.”

The company continues to expand its sales of laundry equipment globally. International markets are providing a tremendous business opportunity for the company, specifically emerging markets where Alliance is introducing the concept of laundromats. The company’s commitment to growing internationally is evident in its pending acquisition of Primus Laundry Equipment Group, which is based in Belgium and has manufacturing facilities in the Czech Republic and China; and the recent opening of a sales office in Brazil.

As the award recognizes, Alliance’s international expansion has fueled both manufacturing and employment growth in Wisconsin. The company completed a major $23 million plant expansion in September 2013 and late last year announced a second expansion—the largest in the company’s history— of its manufacturing and assembly facilities in Ripon.

The Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award program is co-sponsored by Baker Tilly, one of America’s largest accounting and advisory firms; Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, a leading Midwest-based law firm; and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state’s largest business association.