ELGIN, Ill. (Courtesy: Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs) – Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs® (NBT), the Foundation of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Int’l. (FMA), announced that Bryan Hawkins, founder and president of Hawkeye Industries, Inc. is the recipient of the 2022 Power of Industry Award. The honor was revealed last week during the NBT Awards Gala in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Nominated for introducing NBT camp models to the Tupelo, Miss. region, Bryan has helped change attitudes towards advanced manufacturing in his community that will affect generations to come. With the support of NBT and in partnership with the Community Development Foundation, Itawamba Community College, Create Foundation, and other local manufacturers, he was instrumental in creating the week-long advanced manufacturing day camps known as ‘Tek2Go.’ A separate, but identical camp, is also conducted for regional teachers who get the opportunity to see how advanced manufacturing topics relate to subjects they are teaching.
“Bryan’s dedication to this industry, both today and for the future, is beyond admirable,” said Ed Dernulc, NBT Foundation Director. “Time and time again, he has gone beyond the call of duty to create opportunities for so many throughout his community. His impact is now being felt across the nation through his partnership with NBT and we are pleased to recognize him with this award.”
Founded in 1995, Hawkeye Industries serves as a ‘high-tech’ OEM contract manufacturer of precision fabricated sheet metal components and assemblies for a wide variety of manufacturers. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration from the University of Mississippi. In 1999, Bryan retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Mississippi Army National Guard where he served for 24 years as a helicopter pilot holding various command and staff positions in army aviation.
The Power of Industry award recognizes an individual, family, or family foundation for its philanthropic efforts. The award recipient is a model of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, demonstrates outstanding charitable responsibility and encourages others to take leadership roles in the metals manufacturing industry.
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About FMA
FMA is a professional organization with more than 2,500 members working together to improve the metal processing, forming, and fabricating industry. Founded in 1970, FMA brings metal fabricators and equipment manufacturers together through technology councils, educational programs, networking events, and the FABTECH® trade show. The official publications of FMA include The FABRICATOR®, The Tube & Pipe Journal®, STAMPING Journal®, The WELDER®, The FABRICATOR en Español, Canadian Metalworking®, and Canadian Fabricating & Welding®. Learn more at fmamfg.org.