West Michigan Works! has named Bradford White as its 2025 Employer of the Year, recognizing the company’s outstanding leadership in workforce development, commitment to U.S. manufacturing and long-standing investment in West Michigan’s talent ecosystem. The Employer of the Year award was presented during the 2025 West Michigan Works! annual board meeting on December 8 at Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.
Founded in 1881, Bradford White is a Middleville-based manufacturer of water heaters. The company’s campus serves as a national hub for production and innovation, featuring advanced robotics, modern assembly lines, state-of-the-art R&D lab, high-tech distribution center and LEED Gold-certified training facility.
Over the past two years, Bradford White has emerged as a standout partner within Discover Manufacturing, West Michigan Works!’ advanced manufacturing talent council. The company has leveraged the Going PRO Talent Fund to train new hires and develop U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships in high-demand occupations, including machine repair and electrician roles.
“Bradford White’s investment in people demonstrates a deep commitment to workforce development,” said Amy Lebednick, business solutions director, West Michigan Works! ”Their commitment to training, apprenticeship development and long-term talent strategies strengthens our regional economy and creates meaningful opportunities for workers at every stage of their careers.”
Bradford White has also supported regional talent initiatives by providing key letters of support for the Make MI Home grant and the MiLEAP Student Internship grant, helping strengthen pathways into Michigan’s skilled trades.
The manufacturer is also a leading advocate for youth career exploration. For the past three years, the company has served as Lead Sponsor of MiCareerQuest, the region’s largest hands-on career exploration event. Their innovative LEGO-based assembly line exhibit has introduced thousands of students to modern manufacturing concepts in an interactive, memorable way.
Additionally, Bradford White has hosted Discover Manufacturing Week tours for more than a decade, offering high school students a real-world look into advanced robotics, engineering pathways, and the skilled trades. These efforts have helped demystify manufacturing and inspire the next generation of talent.
“Bradford White is honored to be recognized as the West Michigan Works! 2025 Employer of the Year. This award reflects our shared commitment to developing talent, strengthening our workforce, and bringing greater awareness to the opportunities within manufacturing,” said Kelly Kroll, HR Business Partner, Bradford White. “Our partnership with West Michigan Works! aligns with our core values of customer, collaboration, innovation, and community and supports our mission to be ‘Built to Be the Best.’ We’re proud of what we’ve built together and excited for what’s ahead.”
