GREEN BAY, Wis., Jan. 17 -- Tufco Technologies, Inc. is among Wisconsin businesses nominated as finalists for the 17th annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year competition. Tufco was previously recognized in November by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce as a winner of the 2004 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. Tufco received honors last year as the Manufacturing Award of Distinction winner and is now a finalist for this year's state competition. The statewide competition is a salute to the state's top manufacturers demonstrating strong business growth, creating good-paying jobs and providing a better quality of life for the citizens of Wisconsin. In fiscal year 2004, Tufco recorded sales of $77,854,000, up 41% over fiscal year 2003 and earned $.43 per share, up 152% compared to net income of $.17 per share for fiscal year 2003. Lou LeCalsey, Tufco's President and CEO, commented, "In fiscal year 2004, Tufco's success was driven by growing the business and building upon our reputation as a leader in quality, contract manufacturing services. We are fortunate to employ a rich pool of talent and are proud to be recognized as a premier employer and noteworthy corporate contributor to the Wisconsin economy."