The role manufacturing plays in rural economies often goes unnoticed, especially in areas where agriculture dominates the scene.

But Ritz Machine Works Inc. in Dauphin was drawn out of the shadows recently when it’s Director of Operations, Bryan Yakimishen, was named one of the top 10 manufacturing leaders in Canada under the age of 40 by Plant, a leading industry magazine.

The awards are meant to recognize the next generation of talent in Canada’s manufacturing industry and celebrate those who are helping to actively shape the future of the sector.

When the call for nominations came out, Ritz’s chief executive officer Rick Ilnisky knew his company included such a person.

“I thought of Brian right away because he’s done some great things at our company over the 10 years plus,” Ilnisky said.

“I felt that he had come through the ranks within that 10 years. He’s had the opportunity and he’s had the aptitude to succeed. And it’s nice to see a story where a fellow from a small town can go away, get his education, and come back and thrive.”

Yakimishen started his journey with Ritz in 2015 as an engineering student home from the University of Manitoba for the summer.

After completing his degree, he remained with the company as a manufacturing engineer, eventually leading the engineering department. In that role he helped implement the company’s ISO 9100.

Last year, Yakimishen became Ritz’s director of Operations, overseeing production, engineering, maintenance, quality, human resources and more.

Humbled by the recognition, Yakimishen feels the achievement is not his alone, but rather is a testament to the work of everyone at Ritz, from owners through to the shop floor.

Read the full story in this weeks edition of The Dauphin Herald.