Manufacturing Institute Honors 130 Women for Excellence in Manufacturing

The Manufacturing Institute recently recognized 130 women with the Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead awards.

The awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry. The initiative was launched to examine and promote the role of women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research and leadership for attracting, advancing and retaining strong female talent.

"These women are making huge strides in this industry and are demonstrating what modern manufacturing careers are all about — rewarding and fulfilling careers with limitless opportunity for growth," said Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers. "This year's STEP Ahead class brings together inspiring leaders to help us promote diverse workforces and recruit the next generation of manufacturing leaders to develop the future of this industry."

New research by the Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte and APICS found that over the last five years, STEP Ahead award winners have impacted more than 300,000 individuals – from peers in the industry to school-age children. The study also discovered that compared to others participating in a women-in-manufacturing survey, STEP Ahead honorees and emerging leaders have been promoted more often, have a clearer vision of their career path and aspirations, and are committed to encouraging future generations of women to pursue a career in manufacturing.

"Companies across the U.S. agree there is a talent shortage in manufacturing," said Heidi Alderman, 2017 chair of STEP Ahead and senior vice president at BASF. "STEP Ahead is working to close this gap by tapping into a vital resource – women. It is an honor to be a part of a cause that is so important to me personally but also my company and our entire nation."

For more information, visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.