Page 44 - MetalForming-Dec-2018-issue

Stacy Johnson
Purchasing Manager GK Machine Donald, OR
Since joining GK Machine three years ago as purchasing manager, Stacy, a 25- year industry veteran, has revamped the company’s purchasing department, sav- ing money, increasing efficiencies and improving vendor relationships.
Her duties include: costing analysis of raw materials from steel vendors, parts suppliers and contract services; tracking and managing inventory costs, including interest, space requirements, heating, extra handling, extra manpower, insur- ance, etc.; overseeing tariff manage- ment; analyzing transportation expenses; and much more.
“Some managers are standouts and tenacious when it comes to streamlining, cost control and efficiency,” says her nominator. “Stacy is that manager at our company. What is most impressive about Stacy is her ability to stay organized, her attention to detail, and her ability to rec- ognize and follow up on issues and tasks of the most importance to the compa- ny’s bottom line.”
“Manufacturing provides the widest variety of experience possible. You have an opportunity to learn how a company functions from the point of customer inquiry all the way through to delivering a product that started from raw material. There is an opportunity for almost any- one in manufacturing and your future is what you make of it. The sky is the limit.”
Jennifer Kalas
President Irmco Evanston, IL
At Irmco for 19 years, Jennifer, a 32- year manufacturing-industry veteran, has led the company to record growth while helping foster an innovative company culture of open-book management and development of high-technology lubri- cant products. As the only woman presi- dent in the lubricant industry, according to her nominator, Jennifer has helped the company successfully develop and market non-oil lubricants to industries still dominated by oil-based products. A leader in her local Evanston, IL, commu- nity, she grew up in the Detroit, MI, area, graduated from Michigan State Universi- ty, and has stayed in the Rust Belt to serve metal stampers.
“Working in manufacturing offers women so many different career paths. Whether you prefer design, engineering, business or the plant floor, there are numerous opportunities. It’s exciting to be involved in so many areas of the busi- ness and to make a product that improves the process of your customer. You are part of team where every posi- tion makes an important contribution, from product conception to the final sale.”
Erika Klein
Vice President, Research and Development
Global Shop Solutions, Inc. The Woodlands, TX
Erika has been with Global Shop Solutions since her graduation from Bay- lor University in 1993. Starting her career in customer service, Erika steadily pro- gressed to increasingly complex roles. As vice president of research and develop- ment, she’s helped the company develop innovative products revolving around shop-floor data collection, paperless shop floors, quality systems, job costing and more.
Erika has led the design, development and commercial release of the entire Global Shop Solutions ERP package, which consists of more than 25 modules. She accomplished this by motivating, coaching, growing and leading nearly 100 research-and-development employ- ees across four teams.
Through her dedication and involve- ment, says her nominator, “Erika has touched thousands of lives—employees, customers, and in the local community, where she leads and supports many charity and volunteer causes.”
“Manufacturing is an ever-changing industry that offers high-paying jobs with a great deal of opportunity. In manufac- turing, you get to be at the forefront of technology—this is a great industry for women who want challenging and satis- fying work.”
42 MetalForming/December 2018
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