Pegasus Manufacturing Named 2025 Illinois Manufacturer of the Year
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
Pegasus Manufacturing, Inc., a Galesburg company specializing in high-precision components for aerospace, defense, medical, and automotive sectors, has been named the 2025 Illinois Manufacturer of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The award, announced by the SBA’s Illinois District Office, recognizes Pegasus for its innovation, advanced technologies, and meaningful contributions to workforce development and community growth. The recognition came as part of National Small Business Week, held May 4–10, which honors the contributions of America’s 34 million small businesses.
Founded in 2013, Pegasus operates in a federally designated HubZone and prioritizes hiring from underserved populations, including women and veterans. The company also partners with local institutions—such as the Galesburg Area Vocational Center and Western Illinois University—to provide paid internships in CNC machining, engineering, and additive manufacturing. These initiatives reflect Pegasus’s broader commitment to economic revitalization and career-building in west-central Illinois.
At the heart of Pegasus’s operations is a strong focus on technological advancement. The company integrates tools like Directed Energy Deposition (DED) and 3D Wire Laser Metal Deposition (WLMD) into its traditional CNC processes, enhancing efficiency while maintaining AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certifications. These systems allow Pegasus to meet strict quality standards while responding to global supply chain challenges with agility and innovation.
The award was formally presented on June 5 during a ceremony attended by more than 200 guests, including Illinois state Rep. Dan Swanson, representatives from regional manufacturing associations, and local economic leaders. SBA Illinois District Director Willette LeGrant praised the company’s leadership and impact, noting, “They are a model of resilience, innovation, and leadership within American small business manufacturing.”
Co-owner Ray Whitehead later gave credit to their employees on WGIL’s Galesburg’s Morning News, saying, “it’s the people that make the company. And what this is is a recognition to the team at Jupiter and Pegasus of their long hours.”