EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Accuride Corp., a leading supplier of components to the North American and European commercial vehicle industries,today announced that the Manufacturing Institute has honored Accuride’s Mary E. Blair, Sr. VP of Supply Chain Management, as a recipient of its Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award for 2017.
The STEP Ahead Awards, now in their fifth year, recognize women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers, and represent all levels of manufacturing, from the factory floor to the C-suite. Blair is among this year’s 100 Honorees and 30 Emerging Leaders from 93 companies who represent the diversity of possible career paths in manufacturing.
“It is gratifying to have Mary’s many contributions to her profession, the industry and Accuride’s pursuit of manufacturing excellence recognized by her peers as an example for others,” said Rick Dauch, president and CEO of Accuride. “Through her leadership and expertise, Mary has played a significant role in elevating Accuride’s operating and Supply Chain performance to world-class standards. She ably represents the thousands of women making a lasting impact in their organizations, professions and communities.”
“These women exemplify the path an exciting career in manufacturing can take,” said Heidi Alderman, 2017 Chair of STEP Ahead and Senior Vice President of Intermediates North America, BASF Corp. “STEP Ahead recognizes women nationwide for their significant achievements in the field of manufacturing, and the positive impact on their companies and the industry as a whole.”
“Being recognized as a 2017 STEP Ahead Award recipient by the Manufacturing Institute is a tremendous honor,” Blair said. “I’m grateful to have this opportunity to join my peers in urging the next generation of women to apply their talents to careers in manufacturing. It’s about engaging, mentoring and leading other women into the global manufacturing environment, and helping them fully capitalize on all the opportunities that provides.”
The Manufacturing Institute launched the STEP Ahead initiative in 2012 to examine and promote the role of women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research, and leadership for attracting, advancing, and retaining strong female talent. Accuride’s JD Marhevko, VP of Quality/Lean Management Systems & EHS, received a STEP Ahead Award in 2016. The 2017 STEP Ahead Awards Gala on April 20, 2017, in Washington, D.C., will celebrate Mary Blair and the rest of this year’s honorees, their nominating organizations and peers within the industry.
About Mary E. Blair
Mary E. Blair has served as Accuride’s Sr. VP of Supply Chain Management, since joining the company in October 2011. She leads Accuride’s global strategic sourcing, logistics, supplier quality and development, and inventory control and planning activities. Blair joined Accuride from UCI International, a producer of filtration and engine management systems for transportation, where she led Supply Chain for four business units. Previously in her career, she held global supply chain leadership roles with International Truck and Engine (Navistar), General Motors North America Operations and Delphi Interior and Lighting Systems. Blair is a member of the board of directors of the University of Evansville Institute for Global Enterprise, and is a former Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana board member. She earned a BS from Ferris State University and an MBA from Central Michigan University. Blair is also Capella University Global Leadership doctoral candidate (PhD – ABD).
About the Manufacturing Institute
The Manufacturing Institute is the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. As a nonpartisan organization, the Institute is committed to delivering leading-edge information and services to the nation’s manufacturers. The Institute is the authority on the attraction, qualification and development of world-class manufacturing talent. www.themanufacturinginstitute.org
About Accuride Corporation
With headquarters in Evansville, Ind., Accuride is a leading supplier of components to the North American and European commercial vehicle industries. The company’s products include commercial vehicle wheels and wheel-end components and assemblies. The company’s products are marketed under its brand names, which include Accuride, Accuride Wheel End Solutions, Gunite and Gianetti Ruote. Accuride is a portfolio company of Crestview Partners. www.AccurideCorp.com
