MEDIA & PRESS
See how Laystrom Manufacturing’s precision metal fabrication, workplace culture, and manufacturing leadership have been recognized — from trade magazine features and industry awards to podcast interviews and video spotlights.
In the Press
Trade publications and industry outlets covering Laystrom’s people, culture, and growth.
SME Spotlight: Laystrom Manufacturing
Culture comes first for precision metal fab shop Laystrom Manufacturing
Published as Laystrom marked its 70th year in business, this mHUB Chicago feature covers the company’s 2020 Small/Mid-Sized Manufacturer of the Year award, roughly 70% revenue growth over four years, and nearly $2 million invested in laser cutting, press brake, and collaborative robot equipment.
TMA News · Member Profile
Busting Myths and Breaking Through: Colin Cosgrove of Laystrom Manufacturing
A TMA member profile on former Laystrom president Colin Cosgrove, discussing common misconceptions about modern manufacturing careers and how Laystrom worked to change them for the people on its floor.
The Fabricator · August 9, 2010
Laystrom Manufacturing Co.
A look back at Laystrom’s roots: the shop once produced pay phones before shifting that same precision into components for cellular tower infrastructure. The feature traces how disciplined hiring, cross-training, and straightforward leadership carried the company through that transition.
Awards & Recognition
Industry and community recognition earned over the years.
Manufacturing Renaissance · 2021
Laystrom Manufacturing Co. Wins THE FABRICATOR’s Industry Award for 2021
Manufacturing Renaissance’s announcement of Laystrom’s 2021 Industry Award win from The Fabricator, recognizing the company as a model for culture-driven performance and noting its long-running partnership with the organization’s workforce programs..
ICIC Inner City 100 · 2023
Laystrom Manufacturing — Inner City 100
Laystrom ranked 58th on the 2023 Inner City 100 list, which recognizes fast-growing, inner-city-headquartered companies nationwide — citing a growth rate over 100% and the company’s NIMS-accredited internship partnerships with local high schools.
Fourth Revolution Awards · 2020
Small/Mid-Sized Manufacturer of the Year
Laystrom was named Small/Mid-Sized Manufacturer of the Year at the 2020 Fourth Revolution Awards, recognizing the company’s investment in equipment and workforce development during a period of rapid growth.
PodcastS
Laystrom leadership on industry podcasts.
The Fabricator Podcast · January 21, 2026
Organizing growth in a modern fab shop
Manufacturing Renaissance’s announcement of Laystrom’s 2021 Industry Award win from The Fabricator, recognizing the company as a model for culture-driven performance and noting its long-running partnership with the organization’s workforce programs.
VideoS
A look inside the shop floor and our people.
YouTube
Automated Laser-Cutting Cell at Laystrom Manufacturing
A short walkthrough of Laystrom’s automated laser-cutting cell in action — the kind of equipment behind the shop’s fast prototype and production turnarounds.
YouTube · #WhyChicago
Jeff Dec, President, Laystrom Manufacturing: Scaling a Manufacturing Business0
LPart of the #WhyChicago video series, this interview covers what it takes to scale a manufacturing business in Chicago and why Laystrom has stayed rooted in the city.
Community & Speaking
Beyond the shop floor.
Northwestern Magazine · Winter 2017
Colin Cosgrove and Craig Freedman: Renaissance Men
Northwestern’s alumni magazine profiled two company presidents, including Laystrom’s, on partnering through Manufacturing Renaissance to expand access to manufacturing careers in Chicago — a community commitment that has outlasted any single title at the company.
Have a correction, or coverage to add?
If we missed a feature, interview, or mention of Laystrom — or something above needs an update — let us know below.