Page 30 - MetalForming November 2016

Chris Cottingham
Production Supervisor Vidir Machine Inc.
Arborg, Manitoba, Canada
Since starting as an executive assis- tant at Vidir Machine, Chris has never shied away from learning new things. That is a major reason why she has risen to the position of production supervisor. She has utilized all of the skills and knowledge available on her production team and has earned the respect of employees through working to under- stand the challenges presented by a cus- tomizable product line such as that at Vidir.
Chris has nurtured an environment of cleanliness and organization in the shop that garners compliments during every tour and customer visit, according to her nominator. A true servant leader, she is not afraid to get her hands dirty in sup- port of those that report to her, and if it needs to get done, she’s never one to say it's not in her job description.
“Metal fabrication is an art where cre- ativity and skill transform metal into shapes, and when fabricated together produce a vast variety of products all around us, from trinkets to space ships. Women who are unfamiliar with metal fabrication would be astonished at how common, everyday knowledge is applied. A career in metal fabrication is challenging and stimulating, offering you the opportunity to work beside innova- tive, talented individuals.”
Darlene Wallace
Customer Service Manager Quality Metal Stamping Henderson, TN
For 40 years, Quality Metal Stamping has been providing custom metal stamp- ings and automated assemblies. And for 29 of those years Darlene has played a big part in the company’s efforts to cre- ate and maintain strong partnerships with its customers. As customer-service and inside-sales manager at the fourth- generation company, she has been essential to its growth, working diligently on customer partnerships while commit- ted to Quality Metal Stamping’s values. Her long-term commitment to the organization and her customer-first men- tality are recognized by colleagues and customers alike.
“The manufacturing industry is an important sector of the U.S. economy and as leaders we must recruit the brightest minds to remain competitive. After spending 29 years in the metal- forming industry at Quality Metal Stamp- ing, manufacturing has provided me with a challenging career path, allowing me to build strong relationships and present new ideas in all facets of our business. I would encourage women of the next generation to be a part of the ever-changing face of manufacturing in this country!"
Lynn Clark
Steel Purchasing Manager MidWest Materials, Inc. Perry, OH
Lynn has succeeded in industry in a time when sales and purchasing was dominated by men, and continues to be a positive role model through her work as an officer and board member of the Association of Women in the Steel Indus- try. In 37 years at MidWest Materials she has served as administrative assistant and assumed several production positions before becoming involved in purchasing.
“Lynn’s success in the steel business took a great deal of perseverance in the early years,” recalls her nominator. “She would make many calls to steel buyers and was asked time and again, ‘What does a woman know about steel?’ Thanks to decades of relationship-building, those encounters are a thing of the past. Lynn helped open doors both at Mid- West Materials and in the industry for other women.”
Says Brian Robbins, MidWest Materi- als’ CEO: “Lynn is a highly respected executive in the steel industry who distin- guishes herself with her deep knowledge of steel products, suppliers and capabili- ties. She acts with a level of grace that makes those in the industry flock to do business with her.”
“There is great satisfaction in being part of a team and impacting how some- thing evolves from an idea into a reality. Women are still trying to prove them- selves and are willing to put the time and effort into a project.”
S10 MetalForming/November 2016
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