Making Headlines
When you make outstanding products, you make news.
At AVNA, our people are the foundation of everything we do. Each year, we recognize team members whose dedication, skill, and leadership make a meaningful impact on our customers and our organization. We are proud to celebrate Matthew Hankey from our New Britain facility and Luis Matos from our Berlin location as our 2025 Employees of the Year.
Their commitment to quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement exemplifies what it means to be a trusted manufacturing partner in the MedTech industry.
Tool & Die Maker, New Britain
Matthew recently completed an intensive 8,000-hour state apprenticeship program and has played a key role in tooling projects throughout his development. Over the past year, he has stepped up on some of AVNA’s most critical initiatives, supporting complex programs for our top MedTech customers as well as advanced research and development efforts.
Known as a go-to resource for tooling development, Matthew consistently embraces challenging timelines and technical complexity to help bring new products into production. One of his most demanding projects to date required sustained focus, collaboration, and problem-solving across multiple teams. Thanks to his dedication and teamwork, this long-standing effort was successfully completed, reflecting Matthew’s day-in and day-out commitment to precision, reliability, and excellence.
Laser Operator – Level 2, Berlin
Luis has emerged as a leader within the Laser Technician group, consistently going above and beyond to support the success of those around him. From mentoring new operators to collaborating with peer technicians, he ensures his team has the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to perform at a high level.
Luis demonstrates an exceptional work ethic and attention to detail, frequently volunteering extra time to complete critical tasks and uphold the highest quality standards. He works closely with cross-functional teams—including Product Line, Quality, and Engineering—to help prioritize work, resolve issues, and maintain smooth operations. Throughout it all, Luis brings an infectious positivity that motivates others and strengthens collaboration. His contributions extend well beyond his role and set a strong example of teamwork, accountability, and pride in craftsmanship.