FORT SMITH, Ark. (March 20, 2015) – The Manufacturing Institute has announced it will award Amy Lakin, executive vice president of Supply Chain for Baldor Electric Company, with the Women in Manufacturing Science, Technology, Engineering and Production (STEP) Ahead Award. The STEP Ahead Award honors women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory-floor to the C-suite.

During Lakin’s career, she has worked for companies such as Rockwell Automation, Ingersoll Rand and Xerox. She has held a number of positions with growing responsibility including industrial engineering manager, operations general manager and supply chain manager. Amy has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in information systems.

“I am honored to be included in such an elite group of business leaders,” said Lakin. “I am also fortunate to have had many role models in my life, which I believe brought me to this point. My first role model was my grandmother. She raised five children during the great depression, worked hard, loved unconditionally and always continued forward in times of adversity. I hope through my actions, I can set that same example for my daughters and the women I work with on a daily basis.”

Jennifer McNelly, president of The Manufacturing Institute, commented, “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.”

For more information on the STEP Ahead initiative, visit themanufacturinginstitute.org/Women.aspx.

Baldor Electric Company is a marketer, designer and manufacturer of industrial electric motors, drives and mechanical power transmission products. Baldor, a member of the ABB Group, is headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas.