VARC Named Finalist in Two Categories for Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards
- sphillips974
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2026
For media inquiries and interviews, kindly contact:
Allie Lucht
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement
(920)882-2882 | ALucht@varcinc.com
VIROQUA, WI. — VARC has been named a finalist in two categories for the 2025 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards: Business Resilience & Growth and Community Impact & Investment. The annual awards program recognizes Wisconsin manufacturers for leadership, innovation, and economic and community impact.
This recognition follows a major milestone for the organization. VARC and Valley Packaging Industries (VPI) officially merged on Jan. 1, 2026, creating one of Wisconsin’s most comprehensive networks for inclusive employment and contract manufacturing. The merger expanded production capacity, strengthened logistics, enhanced digital systems, and increased their manufacturing footprint to nine counties.
This marks the second consecutive year VARC was recognized by the MOTY program. In 2025, the organization received the award in the Empowerment through Inclusion category, honoring its commitment to inclusive workplaces and employment pathways for individuals with disabilities.
Recognition in the Business Resilience & Growth category highlights VARC’s ability to adapt and scale in a complex operating environment. The Community Impact & Investment category underscores the organization’s broader impact, including workforce development, community partnerships, and services promoting independence and economic participation across Wisconsin.
“Being named a finalist in both categories reflects the strength of our people and the purpose behind our work,” said Elizabeth Filter, President and CEO of VARC. “Our merger with VPI has positioned us to grow responsibly while continuing to invest in our communities and support our manufacturing partners across Wisconsin.”
The Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards are presented by a coalition of business and industry leaders to celebrate excellence in manufacturing and highlight companies that drive economic growth while strengthening their communities. Finalists are selected based on achievements in areas such as operational excellence, innovation, workforce development, and community impact.
Winners of the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards will be announced later this year.
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Founded in 1975 in Viroqua, Wisconsin, VARC serves over 2,500 individuals with varying abilities across 18 locations, including eight production facilities. Guided by its mission “to support and empower children and adults with disabilities and other life barriers to build greater independence and community inclusion,” VARC provides a wide range of services including licensed childcare, adult day services, supported employment, early intervention services, trauma-informed mental health care, and school-to-work transition programming. Its production facilities partner with commercial businesses to provide co-packaging and co-assembly services, blending mission-driven impact with sustainable revenue. With a presence across much of Wisconsin, VARC empowers individuals to build independence, engage in their communities, and access meaningful, choice-driven experiences.
For more information about VARC, visit www.varcinc.com.