Dedicated Valley Iron Inc. employee recognized for service and giving.

Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs® (NBT), the foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA), announced that Jay Phillips, Processing Manager at Valley Iron Inc. in Fresno, Calif. is the recipient of the 2023 Power of Industry Award. The honor was revealed during the NBT Awards Gala in Mount Prospect, Ill. 

Jay was nominated for his contributions to advancing the metals manufacturing industry through his long-term involvement with FMA and NBT. His focus on service extends beyond Valley Iron’s operations in Fresno, Vacaville, Oroville, and into the communities they serve. Jay has been an avid supporter of the local high school robotics teams, contributing to projects at California State University, Fresno State, and several area junior colleges. Jay enjoys volunteering for Boy Scout Troop 392 and offers the welding merit badge to scouts. He also provides shop tours to youths interested in the metal fabrication and manufacturing trades. 

“It has truly been a pleasure to serve and a joy to contribute to the NBT Foundation,” said Jay. “I’ve had a career in the metal trades and the fabricating industry for over 35 years now. And with NBT, it’s so awesome that we have an organization and a foundation that can give kids the opportunity, as well as exposure just like I got. To have a career in something that is fulfilling, there is so much you can contribute to the world. Steel is the backbone of the country.”  

The Power of Industry award recognizes an individual, family, or family foundation for its philanthropic efforts. The award recipient is a model of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, demonstrates outstanding charitable responsibility and encourages others to take leadership roles in the metals manufacturing industry.