A Galesburg manufacturing company that produces materials for the aerospace, defense, medical, and automotive industries was recently recognized as the 2025 Illinois SBA Manufacturer of the Year.
Pegasus Manufacturing, Inc., received the prestigious award from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Illinois District Office, celebrating its excellence in manufacturing, innovation, and community impact.
SBA Illinois District Director Willette LeGrant presented the award to Pegasus CEO Ruth Whitehead and co-owner Ray Whitehead on June 5 during a ceremony attended by over 200 people, including state Rep. Daniel Swanson (71st District) and representatives from the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, City of Galesburg, and the Knox County Area Partnership.
“The SBA is pleased to honor Pegasus Manufacturing, Inc., as this year’s SBA Illinois Manufacturer of the Year,” said Willette LeGrant, SBA Illinois District Director. “Pegasus doesn’t just build parts. They are also building people, pathways and progress. They are a model of resilience, innovation, and leadership within American small business manufacturing.
“Pegasus’ investments in advanced technologies, people, and community development have created lasting value—both for the industries they serve and the region they call home.”
Appearing on WGIL’s Galesburg’s Morning News, Ray Whitehead said the award is primarily a recognition of the hard work and dedication of the employees at Jupiter and Pegasus: “it’s the people that make the company. And what this is is a recognition to the the team at Jupiter and Pegasus of their long hours. Most of that most of the time as we grew, they’ve been underpaid and overworked. But here, they’ve stuck with it.”
Whitehead added the award also serves as an “accolade” and “recognition of advanced technology.”
Founded in 2013, Pegasus Manufacturing has become a trusted partner in delivering high-precision components. Located in an SBA-designated HubZone, the company drives economic revitalization in Galesburg by prioritizing hiring from underserved communities, including veterans and women, while pursuing Woman-Owned certifications. Pegasus also partners with local institutions like the Galesburg Area Vocational Center and Western Illinois University to offer paid internships and career development in CNC machining, engineering, and additive manufacturing.
Pegasus stands out for integrating cutting-edge technologies like Directed Energy Deposition (DED) and 3D Wire Laser Metal Deposition (WLMD) into traditional CNC workflows, reducing lead times and supporting sustainability. The company maintains rigorous quality standards, including AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certifications, ensuring reliable delivery of mission-critical components despite global supply chain challenges.
The award was part of the SBA’s National Small Business Week (May 4-10, 2025), which celebrates the contributions of America’s 34 million small businesses. For more information about Pegasus Manufacturing or the SBA, visit www.sba.gov.
