MACNY to add Chobani, Crucible executives to its Wall of Fame

Both Hamdi Ulukaya and Jim Beckman, president of Crucible Industries LLC, will accept their awards at MACNY’s 103rd annual dinner on May 19 at the Oncenter, MACNY said in a news release.

The organization will recognize both men with plaques on the Manufacturers Wall of Fame at MACNY headquarters in DeWitt.

Since purchasing a yogurt plant in 2005, Ulukaya has led Norwich–based Chobani to “become the top-selling Greek yogurt brand in the United States.”

Beckman has served as president of Geddes–based Crucible Industries since 2009. He was “instrumental in guiding the company to financial health” during and following the economic recession, MACNY said.

The Wall of Fame selection committee is “pleased” to honor Ulukaya and Beckman with induction into the Manufacturers Wall of Fame, Randy Wolken, president of MACNY, said in the release.

“Manufacturing has long been a cornerstone of Central New York, and the leadership of Jim and Hamdi has strengthened the health of our regional sector. I would like to congratulate both Jim and Hamdi on their induction, and I look forward to honoring their achievements and commitment alongside members of the manufacturing community,” said Wolken.

Ulukaya and Beckman will represent the 16th class inducted into the Manufacturers Wall of Fame, joining a “prestigious” group of manufacturing leaders who have been honored since the Wall of Fame’s inception in 2001.

The Manufacturers Wall of Fame celebrates individuals who have demonstrated long-term dedication to manufacturing in upstate New York.

MACNY plans to recognize previous inductees for their lifetime achievements during its annual dinner.

Aminy Audi, chairman and CEO of Manlius–based L. & J.G. Stickley, is the event’s keynote speaker. Audi will talk about the company’s history; the struggles and challenges it overcame; and “what brought the company to where it is today,” according to the MACNY news release.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com