Page 35 - MetalForming November 2017

Allison Giddens
Director of Operations Win-Tech, Inc. Kennesaw, GA
No stranger to awards, in 2016 Alli- son was named the August Face of Man- ufacturing by the Georgia Manufactur- ing Extension Partnership and received the Front Line Leadership Award from the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance. At Win-Tech, she uses her award-winning skills in a number of responsibilities: managing document control for certifica- tions, liaising with engineers and customers alike, and analyzing build-to-print proj- ects during pre- and post-production.
As the chairperson of WiM’s Georgia chapter and an active member of Cobb Executive Women, Allison regularly par- ticipates in events aimed at increasing industry opportunities for women. She coordinates plant tours and speakers, and encourages students to embrace STEM and technical careers.
A well-rounded manager, Allison also is an amateur stand-up comedian, and incorporates humor into her leadership style, says her nominator.
“There is so much more to the indus- try than meets the eye. Whether you are spatially inclined and hands-on or you love an analytical challenge, whether you relish the opportunity to coordinate a project with moving parts or utilize charts, graphs and trends—the industry is rewarding and it needs you.”
Teresa Beach-Shelow
President
Superior Joining Technologies, Inc. Machesney Park, IL
Teresa founded Superior Joining Tech- nologies with her husband more than 25 yr. ago. Initially operated out of the fami- ly’s garage, the company now occupies its fourth facility, each larger than the last.
Along the way, Teresa has shown dedication to her community and the future of the industry by creating net- working events, supporting area robotics and Lego teams, and coordinating local Manufacturing Day events. She also co- founded Women of Today’s Manufactur- ing, an organization that raises scholar- ship funds for students to further their careers in STEM-related fields. Teresa’s successes in small-business ownership combined with her insistence on com- munity support makes her a true leader and a role model, says her nominator.
“I encourage women to enter the manufacturing industry for the opportu- nities that are available, from the shop floor to upper management. Wage gaps are shrinking and women are becoming more visible within the industry in higher management roles and ownership posi- tions. Manufacturing is a career that gives the immediate gratification of being part of a team that creates some- thing, and does not always require the traditional four-year degree as training offerings can vary.”
Angela Klawes
Senior Manufacturing Engineer Waukesha Metal Products Sussex, WI
“Angela’s career has been spent developing and producing products in the most economic, efficient and effec- tive way possible within the metalform- ing industry,” proclaims her nominator.
Demonstrating her dedication to improving every facet of manufacturing engineering, Angela has led Waukesha’s lean transformation, implemented a tracking system to evaluate downtime and overall equipment effectiveness, and developed layered process audits, among a slew of other company initiatives. She leads by taking an active role in project plans and employee training, and also by reviewing employee suggestions— always searching for ways to make the company safer, more productive and more efficient.
Angela also spends time volunteering with the EgGS Initiative (Engaging Girls in STEM), a program that provides resources and experiences to prepare high-school girls for STEM careers.
“Manufacturing provides so many opportunities! It is constantly changing as new technology is being applied to industry. The work is varied and reward- ing—from improving work environments through enhancements to ergonomics and safety to team projects to expand capability or increase productivity. If you are willing to learn and try new things, manufacturing is a great place to be.”
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