From left to right: state Rep. Brian Ashe, Cartamundi Director of Operations Peter Letendre and Vice President of Operations, Card and Board Games Armand Fernandes posed with the award and House citation.
Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy
EAST LONGMEADOW — State Rep. Brian Ashe made his way to the Cartamundi offices on Oct. 28 to present Director of Operations Peter Letendre and Vice President of Operations, Card and Board Games Armand Fernandes with the 2026 Manufacturer of the Year award.
The MassTech Collaborative’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing hosted the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up and 11th Annual Manufacturing Awards on Oct. 27 at Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium.
The award recognizes state manufacturers that demonstrate leadership, innovation, craftsmanship and job creation. Manufacturing companies across the state are nominated each year by state representatives and senators.
Cartamundi is a global manufacturer and seller of playing cards, card games, board games and collectible trading cards.
The company manufactures games like Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, The Game of Life, Catan, Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering.
Cartamundi acquired the Shaker Road building from Hasbro in 2015, originally built by the Milton Bradley Company in 1962. The acquisition allowed the company to manufacture Hasbro games.
The company is also the recipient of last year’s MassMEP Jack Healy Leadership Award, which recognizes excellence among manufacturing leaders who are shaping the future of global manufacturing.
Ashe said it’s great to have the opportunity to recognize a local business.
“I’ve known you guys for a long time and I’ve been here many, many times,” Ashe said. “Anytime we get to do something, it’s really cool. I love this part of the job. You guys do an awesome job.”
Ashe also presented Letendre and Fernandes with a citation from the House of Representatives, recognizing the company for the award and its manufacturing of games and trading cards “that bring families together around the globe.”
Fernandes told Reminder Publishing Cartamundi is “honored to receive the Manufacturer of the Year Award and proud to represent the East Longmeadow community.”
“This recognition really belongs to our team and reflects the dedication, craftsmanship and pride they bring to their work every day,” Fernandes said. “We are grateful to state Rep, Brian Ashe for joining us personally to recognize our team and celebrate this special occasion.”
