ANOKA, MINNESOTA—February 12, 2009—Mate Precision Tooling, a leading global manufacturer of original and replacement tooling for CNC punch press machines, was named “2009 Manufacturer of the Year—Mid-Sized Company,” by the Manufacturer’s Alliance, a Minnesota association that helps its member manufacturers grow, improve and stay competitive.

Mate was selected for its superior support to the Manufacturer’s Alliance and for exemplifying the true meaning of excellence through its openness in sharing experiences and information to strengthen the local manufacturing community. The Manufacturer’s Alliance evaluated several criteria, including:

    * Educational presentations to manufacturers
    * Peer benchmarking programs
    * Plant tours
    * Publication of manufacturing articles
    * Involvement in manufacturing-related organizations

“Earning the prestigious 2009 Manufacturer of the Year award is really an honor,” says Kevin Nicholson, Mate president. “We are so pleased to be recognized and hope that our willingness to share our knowledge and best practices can help other manufacturers succeed, especially in this difficult economic environment.”

Mate will receive the honor at the 13th Annual Manufacturer of the Year awards ceremony on April 9, 2009, at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Minn.

About Mate Precision Tooling:

Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota (USA), Mate Precision Tooling is a leading global manufacturer of original and replacement tooling for CNC punch press machines with manufacturing facilities in Minnesota and Germany. Its leadership position is a result of five decades of specialization, service and customer satisfaction. End-users and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) look to Mate for innovation in a wide range of products such as punch holders, die holders, cartridges, multi-tools and more. Mate Laser Technologies serves the CO2 laser market with premium optics and nozzles. More information about Mate Precision Tooling, its complete product line and solutions may be found at mate.com.

About the Manufacturers Alliance:
The Manufacturer’s Alliance is a Minneapolis-based organization whose mission is to provide peer-to-peer training, education and resources that allow manufacturers to continuously grow, improve and stay competitive.