ZOLLER launches ‘Toolroom of the Year 2026’ competition

ZOLLER announces the official launch of its “2026 Toolroom of the Year” competition, an initiative designed to recognize manufacturers who are setting the benchmark for efficiency, precision, and digitalization in their production processes. As manufacturing continues to evolve toward smarter, more connected operations, the toolroom plays an increasingly critical role in ensuring productivity, quality, and consistency across the shopfloor. With this competition, ZOLLER aims to highlight customers who are leveraging advanced tool management and data-driven processes to achieve measurable efficiency improvements in their production playbook.

“Today’s most successful manufacturers understand that the toolroom is no longer a support function, rather it is a strategic driver of production efficiency,” says Alexander Zoller, president of ZOLLER Inc. “With the Toolroom of the Year competition, we want to showcase companies that are leading this transformation and demonstrate what is possible when technology, process, and people come together.”

The competition invites existing ZOLLER customers across North America to showcase how they are optimizing their toolroom operations through:

• Integrated tool management systems
• Digital connectivity and data transparency
• Efficient tool organization and workflows
• Automation and process optimization

A panel of industry experts and ZOLLER specialists will evaluate submissions based on how effectively participants are utilizing technology and best practices to drive measurable improvements in efficiency, reliability, and productivity.

Submissions are now open and will be accepted through June 30, 2026. Participants can nominate their toolroom by completing the application form at https://www.zoller.info/us/events/toolroom-of-the-year-2026 and sharing insights into their processes, technologies, and results.

The top three winners will be announced at the ZOLLER Booth W-432018 at IMTS 2026 in Chicago on Sept. 17 at 3:30p.m The first-place winner will receive a VIP trip for two to ZOLLER’s global headquarters in Germany as part of the Spring 2027 VIP Technology Tour. Additional prizes include ZOLLER Solution vouchers to further enhance toolroom operations as well as a showcase video of the winner’s production facilities.

Beyond recognition, the Toolroom of the Year initiative is designed to support ongoing development within the ZOLLER customer base and manufacturing community. By sharing best practices and real-world examples, the campaign encourages manufacturers to continuously evolve their toolroom capabilities and embrace a long-term approach to optimization. “Each company and toolroom is on its own journey,” adds Zoller. “This initiative is about more than an award, it is about building a culture of continuous improvement and supporting our customers as they develop their toolrooms into fully integrated, high-performance systems.”