LLNL named 2026 Manufacturer of the Year by AMBayArea

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has been named the 2026 Manufacturer of the Year in the large manufacturer category by the Association of Manufacturers Bay Area (AMBayArea), recognizing the Lab’s leadership in advanced manufacturing, engineering and national security innovation.

The award was announced April 21 during the AMBayArea Summit at the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, where representatives from across the region’s manufacturing ecosystem gathered to highlight innovation and impact.

The honor recognizes LLNL’s contributions to advancing cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing (AM), materials engineering and scalable production approaches that support national security, energy and scientific missions.

“This award reflects the extraordinary work happening across the institution in materials and manufacturing,” said Chris Spadaccini, division leader for LLNL’s Materials Engineering Division, who accepted the award on behalf of LLNL. “Our focus is on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and developing new materials, processes and systems that can transition from the lab to real-world impact.”

LLNL has long played a central role in advancing manufacturing science, from pioneering AM techniques to developing novel materials with tailored properties. These efforts are supported by the Lab’s multidisciplinary approach, bringing together expertise in engineering, materials science, computation and design.

The AMBayArea Manufacturing Awards recognize organizations that demonstrate excellence in innovation, operational performance and contributions to the regional manufacturing economy.

"We are proud to present Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory with AMBayArea's Manufacturer of the Year Award in the category of large manufacturer," said AMBayArea Board of Directors Chairperson Krishna Rajagopal. "The organization has played an important role in the manufacturing ecosystem for many decades and continues to be a leader driving the industry forward."

LLNL is a longtime participant in the AMBayArea community and an annual sponsor of the organization’s summit, which serves as a convening point for industry, academia and government partners working to strengthen U.S. manufacturing. The Lab’s recognition exemplifies its continued role as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and its commitment to translating research into impactful technologies.