Two Faurecia employees have received the 2016 STEP (science, technology, engineering and production) Ahead Award from the Manufacturing Institute in recognition of their excellence and leadership in the manufacturing industry.
Janie Fowler, a health, safety and environment (HSE) coordinator at Faurecia’s automotive seating plant in Cottondale, Alabama, and Lisa Viazanko, global acquisition manager, at Faurecia’s Auburn Hills technical center in Michigan, were awarded the honors during a special luncheon in Washington, D.C.
Among their distinguishing qualifications, Fowler implemented actions and training that resulted in a decrease in occupational incidents and accidents. Last May, the Cottondale plant reached the five-year mark without a lost-time accident as a result of Fowler’s program to raise awareness and change the mindsets of employees.
In addition, Viazanko successfully led business acquisitions totaling $126 million in product sales. Previously, as the concept engineering manager for North America, Viazanko successfully supported more than $2.1 billion lifetime sales in business acquisitions, and she initiated and developed an acquisition training program which incorporated lessons learned and best practices.
“The STEP Ahead Award reflects Faurecia’s ongoing commitment to education and leadership at every level. Janie Fowler and Lisa Viazanko are a great representation of our ongoing commitment to excellence,” said Mark Stidham, Faurecia North America president. “We continue to place a high value on diversity, which places us at a strategic advantage in recognizing and responding to market trends and advancing our innovation.”
The STEP Ahead Award is part of the larger STEP Ahead initiative, launched by The Manufacturing Institute in 2012 to examine and promote the role of women in manufacturing through recognition, research and leadership for attracting, advancing and retaining strong female talent. Fowler and Viazanko are among 100 women and 30 Emerging Leaders recognized for this award.
More information is available at themanufacturinginsititure.org.
