GREEN BAY, Wis., March 4 -- Tufco Technologies, Inc. was honored as a 2004 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year with a Grand Award for community commitment presented by the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee on March 3, 2005. Tufco was commended for its contribution to the economic vitality of the region, significant business growth and capital investments -- growing from 80 employees in 1977 to more than 250 employees in 2004, supporting Wisconsin- based suppliers with over $20 million in materials purchased in 2004, focusing on employee growth and development with programs such as on-site English as a Second Language (ESL) and Spanish speaking courses, and supporting employee involvement in numerous non-profit, charitable and volunteer activities. Tufco was previously recognized in 2003 and 2004 by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce as a winner of the Manufacturing Award of Distinction in the medium-manufacturing category (100-299 employees). Tufco was only the second company in the history of the award program to receive this honor for two consecutive years. When accepting the State Manufacturer of the Year Award, Tufco's President and CEO, Lou LeCalsey proudly stated, "One of the most significant business decisions we have made was moving corporate headquarters from Dallas, TX, to Green Bay, WI. In my previous 25 years experience with Scott Paper, I moved 17 times to various plants throughout the United States, and I can attest first hand, that the work ethic and talent pool in Northeastern Wisconsin is second to none. This company has emerged as a recognized leader in its industry and it is a true honor to be honored at the state level for our accomplishments."