Philippi-Hagenbuch earns manufacturing honor

Philippi-Hagenbuch has remained family-owned since its founding in 1969. The company is now led by Danette Swank (middle right), L.B.’s granddaughter and LeRoy’s daughter. LeRoy (left) continues with the company as chief engineer. Also pictured are Josh Swank, vice president of sales and marketing, and Pat Hagenbuch. Photo courtesy of Philippi-Hagenbuch

Philippi-Hagenbuch was awarded the 2019 Barry L. MacLean Manufacturer of the Year award from the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA).

The third-generation, family-owned company accepted the award at IMA’s annual luncheon, which celebrated innovators, entrepreneurs and creators driving the state and national economy.

The award was presented to Philippi-Hagenbuch in recognition of its long history of operational excellence, community involvement, educational outreach, technological innovations, product quality and advocacy for manufacturing in the state of Illinois and across the United States.

“Philippi-Hagenbuch represents the very best of American manufacturing, and we are proud to present them with this award,” says Mark Denzler, president and CEO of IMA. “During their 50-year history, this amazing family-owned company has been an industry leader in innovation and operational excellence, in addition to serving as a strong advocate for manufacturing in Illinois.”

In its 50-year history, Philippi-Hagenbuch has often been at the forefront of innovation for custom-engineered, off-highway haul truck equipment. The company has pioneered more than 150 domestic and international patents and innovations for off-highway truck bodies, on-board weighing systems and black-box technology.

“I would like to thank our Philippi-Hagenbuch associates, past and present, whose dedication and forward-thinking have allowed us to become a global leader in haul truck usage and innovation,” says Danette Swank, president of Philippi-Hagenbuch. “From humble beginnings in L.B. Philippi’s basement to the state-of-the-art facility we operate today, we know our continued success relies on the hard work and creativity of our team members. Without them, the recognition of the IMA would not be possible.”

The Barry L. MacLean Manufacturer of the Year award was established in 2018 and recognizes an Illinois manufacturer with superior leadership in a number of core areas. The company must serve as a strong voice for the manufacturing industry at the local, state and national level. A strong entrepreneurial spirit is also an important criterion for consideration, creating a profound and lasting impact on stakeholders, companies, markets and suppliers within the manufacturing sector.