Industrial Sales & Manufacturing (ISM) is proud to announce that we have been named Erie Maker of the Year, a recognition that celebrates our company’s legacy of innovation, growth, and community impact. This award reflects the hard work of our employees, the support of our partners, and the strength of the Erie manufacturing community.

A Legacy of Excellence

For 58 years, ISM has been a cornerstone of Erie’s manufacturing sector. From our start as a family-owned business to our current team of over 150 employees, we have always strived to combine cutting-edge technology with skilled craftsmanship. Our commitment to investing in automation, AI-enabled capabilities, and advanced equipment allows us to deliver the highest quality solutions while positioning Erie as a leader in modern manufacturing.

Growth and Innovation

This past year has been one of remarkable growth. We have expanded our workforce, creating stable, family-sustaining jobs with robust career development opportunities. We also completed the acquisition of Clifton Tube Cutting in Greenville, PA, which enhanced our manufacturing capabilities, created additional jobs, and strengthened the regional economy. These initiatives have allowed us to meet diverse customer needs, scale to demand, and reinforce our competitive edge.

Developing the Next Generation

ISM is deeply committed to workforce development. We partner with Erie’s schools, colleges, and universities to provide co-ops, internships, externships, and work placements, giving students hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing. Internally, we continue to invest in training and continuous learning, empowering employees to grow their skills and careers within our company. Our cultures centers around continuous improvement both personally and professionally. ISM not only offers incredible opportunities for OJT but also offers employees and their families partial scholarships to Gannon University.

Giving Back to the Community

Our success is rooted in Erie, and giving back to the community is central to who we are. ISM and our employees proudly support local organizations such as the Erie City Mission, Second Harvest Food Bank, Erie Dawn, the Erie Humane Society, and Toys for Tots. ISM is also a community sponsor for the Erie Community Foundation Erie Gives Day.  Employee-led fundraisers have had meaningful impacts:

  • $2,000 raised for the American Heart Association through a bake sale.
  • $606 raised for Parkinson Partners of NWPA through our chili cookoff.
  • $5,000 raised for the St. Martin Center during the 2024 Highmark Community Walk.
  • $3,570 raised for Make-A-Wish in 2025.

These efforts reflect ISM’s culture of philanthropy, employee engagement, and commitment to the well-being of our community.

Celebrating Leadership

This recognition also highlights the leadership of Charlie Rutkowski, Executive Vice President of Operations, whose 45-year career at ISM embodies Erie’s tradition of innovation and craftsmanship. From introducing ISM’s first CNC lathe in the 1990s to championing robotics, flexible manufacturing, and advanced software systems, Charlie has driven transformational change while mentoring the next generation of manufacturing professionals.

Looking Ahead

Being named Erie Maker of the Year is both an honor and a responsibility. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to advancing technology, growing our workforce, and giving back to the community that has supported us for nearly six decades.

We thank our employees, customers, and community partners for making this achievement possible—this award belongs to all of us.