Manufacturing Institute honors Patricia

Latrobe, Pa.-based Kennametal Quality Assurance Manager Helen Patricia received honors in the 2nd  Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Awards presented by The Manufacturing Institute. 

Patricia was selected with 160 other woman recognized at all levels, from the factory floor to the C-suite, for demonstrating leadership excellence in modern manufacturing.

"These 160 women are the faces of exciting careers in manufacturing," said Jennifer McNelly, president, The Manufacturing Institute. "We chose to honor these women because they each made significant achievements in manufacturing through positive impact on their company and the industry as a whole. The STEP Awards are part of the larger STEP Ahead initiative launched to examine and promote the role of women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research, and best practices for attracting, advancing, and retaining strong female talent."

A recent survey from Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute found that nearly 70% of American manufacturing companies have a moderate to severe shortage of available, qualified workers.

"Throughout my career manufacturing has provided constant opportunities to challenge myself," said Patricia. "There are so many facets to the manufacturing supply chain with endless opportunities to learn and contribute.  Every day that I spend in a manufacturing environment, I learn something new and find a way to make a difference."

On Feb. 6, The Manufacturing Institute will recognize 160 recipients of the STEP Awards at a reception in Washington, D.C.  The STEP Awards program will highlight each honoree's story, including their leadership and accomplishments in manufacturing.

Kennametal provides innovative wear-resistant products, application engineering and services to a variety of industries.