The Sudbury company behind the Miner’s Lunchbox has been nominated for a provincial award that recognizes local manufacturers and retailers across the province.
L. May Mfg is up for an Ontario Made Award, an initiative of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters aimed at showcasing and boosting sales of products made in Ontario.
The company has been nominated, along with nine other businesses, in the Manufacturer Spotlight category, which recognizes a business that has “taken initiative to spotlight the Ontario Made brand and highlights the importance of making things in Ontario.”
Additional categories include Consumer Awareness and Retailer Spotlight.
Designed in 1956 by Leo May, the Miner’s Lunchbox is a robust aluminum lunchbox that can double as a seat.
May came up with the idea while working as an underground miner at INCO so he could sit while waiting for the cage to bring underground miners back to surface.
“We’re honoured to be nominated for the Ontario Made Awards!” the company wrote in a social media post. “With your support, L. May can move on to the next round and keep shining a light on proudly Canadian craftsmanship.”
Members of the public have until Oct. 5 to vote for their favourite manufacturer and retailer in each category. Winners will be named this fall.
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters is a non-profit business association representing the interest of more than 2,500 leading manufacturers across Canada.
