TURNERS FALLS — With its receipt of the Legislature’s annual Manufacturing Award, Mayhew Tools has been recognized for demonstrating “outstanding leadership skills in the manufacturing industry.”

Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, and Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Deerfield, who nominated the steel hand tool manufacturer for the award, touted Mayhew Tools in a joint announcement for spending more than 160 years “dedicated to quality, reliability and craftsmanship, contributing to their being the tool of choice for both professionals and do-it-yourselfers nationwide.”

The eighth annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony on Tuesday at Worcester’s Polar Park was part of the Massachusetts Center for Advanced Manufacturing’s “Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up,” described on the organization’s website as a “premier event that brings together the most innovative people from around the state to network, collaborate and conquer industry challenges like never before.”

Mayhew Tools, which maintains a 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the Airport Industrial Park, is the oldest punch and chisel manufacturer in the country, according to the legislators.

“For more than 160 years, Mayhew Tools has been doing business in Franklin County and on the cutting edge of steel product manufacturing,” Comerford said in the announcement. “Not only that, but they have offered good jobs and steady employment for many years to those who need it most. I’m proud to represent Mayhew Tools in the Senate. I am so proud to join with Rep. Natalie Blais to nominate Mayhew for the Legislature’s annual Manufacturing Award for outstanding leadership in the manufacturing industry.”

“Our region has a history of manufacturing built proudly on a dedicated and highly skilled workforce,” Blais added. “I am honored to join Sen. Jo Comerford in recognizing Mayhew Manufacturing’s exceptional contributions to the local economy.”

John Lawless, who co-owns the company alongside his brother Bill Lawless, said while he wasn’t expecting to be awarded, he was “very pleased and honored” to be. He explained that while the Lawless family didn’t start the business, it’s been a “family business” since its inception regardless of which family owned it. Now, four — going on five — generations into owning the business, the Lawless family intends to stay true to a tradition of making Mayhew Tools feel like home.

“The older I get, the more I realize your biggest asset is your people,” John Lawless said, expressing that his ultimate goal is to “treat people with respect” and provide “long and fulfilling careers” for his employees.

According to their announcement, Comerford and Blais plan to tour Mayhew Tools’ facility this fall.

Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-930-4231 or jmendoza@recorder.com.