A Troy-based facility has been named a finalist as part of a competition to be recognized as Manufacturer of the Year.

Sikorsky’s Troy Operations is in the running for the Large Manufacturer title to be awarded by the Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Technology Network in their Manufacturer of the Year awards.

“We have utilized world class lean manufacturing techniques to create capacity and increase our competitiveness resulting in the addition of six new product lines in 2012,” said Jason Lambert, general manager of Sikorsky Troy Operations. “To be nominated and selected as a finalist with other fine Alabama companies is a testament to our great workforce.”

Other companies up against Sikorsky are Austal USA in Mobile, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Gadsden, Rheem Water Heating in Montgomery and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. in Huntsville.

“These existing manufacturing companies epitomize what it takes to grow the private sector, create jobs, and move Alabama’s economy forward,” said BCA president and CEO William J. Canary. “We applaud all the finalists for their commitment to a better quality of life for their employees and for their commitment to the local community they serve.”

A total of 14 Alabama companies were recognized as finalists as part of small, medium and large manufacturing categories based on the size of workforces. Winning manufacturers were selected by an independent panel of judges who evaluated performance, customer focus, employee commitment, operational excellence, continuous improvement, profitable growth and investment in training and retraining.

Winners in each category will be announced at a luncheon on Wednesday at the RSA Activity Center in Montgomery following a keynote presentation by Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange. Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) will also be on hand to present the third annual Governor Bob Riley Building a Better Alabama Award. This is the 13th installment of the Manufacturer of the Year Awards.