Schneider Packaging Equipment Co., Inc. proudly announces that Linda Palladino, Schneider Packaging Equipment Co., Inc. Project Manager, was recently recognized by The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte, University of Phoenix, and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers with a Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Award for her excellence and leadership in manufacturing. Ms. Palladino joins 121 other woman honorees, representing all levels of manufacturing from the factory floor to the C Suite. “We are thrilled that Linda Palladino‘s contributions to Schneider Packaging were recognized by this important new initiative,” said Terry Zarnowski, Director of  Sales and Marketing. “In the short time she has been with Schneider, Linda has made great contributions to the organization.   Linda exemplifies the successful role women can play in the manufacturing and engineering market. When Linda started with Schneider Packaging she hit the ground running, taking managerial responsibility for a technically challenging project.  Linda has established herself as a successful project manager, building strong relationships with engineering staff, manufacturing staff, and even the most demanding customers.  She has proven herself to be very results oriented, and is an extremely strong communicator.” “These 122 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 by The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte, University of Phoenix, and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, 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. “The STEP Ahead initiative was founded to change perceptions of the manufacturing industry and create new opportunities for women in the sector,” said Latondra Newton, group vice president at Toyota Motor North America, Inc. and chairwoman of the STEP Ahead initiative. “This initiative is the call for action to transform the face of today’s manufacturing talent and ensure that women can contribute to the future of this industry.” A 2011 survey from Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute found that nearly 70 percent of American manufacturing companies have a moderate to severe shortage of available, qualified workers. Manufacturing companies cannot fill as many as 600,000 skilled positions, even as unemployment numbers hover at historically high levels. Additionally, labor statistics show that women are underrepresented in the manufacturing workforce and in manufacturing leadership ranks — a situation that must be reversed to preserve and grow the industry.  On February 5, The Manufacturing Institute and its STEP Ahead initiative partners will recognize the 122 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. View the list and profiles of all STEP Award honorees.