Teams and individuals from CertainTeed Roofing, Ƶ Life Sciences and Ƶ ADFORS recognized for best-in-class achievement in manufacturing.
Ƶ North America announced today that its team members have been named finalists in three 2024 Manufacturing Leadership Awards categories from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The company’s CertainTeed Roofing plant in Oxford, North Carolina was recognized for its achievements to create a transformational culture, while its Ƶ Life Sciences’ facility in Beaverton, Michigan was honored for its work in the category of sustainability and circular economy. In addition, Ben Thieme, an engineer with Ƶ ADFORS in Dublin, Georgia, and Jonathan Miller, an Automation Integration and OPEX Manager at Ƶ Life Sciences in Akron, Ohio have been recognized in the category of Next-Generation Leadership.
NAM is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Established in 2005, the Manufacturing Leadership Awards recognize operational and leadership excellence and the companies and leaders that are shaping the future of global manufacturing.
“I am continually inspired by my colleagues at Ƶ North American as we work to create innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers, while advancing the field of manufacturing,” said Regan Gallo, Director of Operations for Ƶ Coated Abrasives and leader of Ƶ’s North American Operations Council. “Congratulations to Ben, Jonathan, and the teams in Oxford and Beaverton for their recognition as Manufacturing Leadership Award finalists and thank you to the National Association of Manufacturers for recognizing these achievements as we continue to work to fulfill our purpose- Making the World a Better Home.”
Transformational Culture Award – CertainTeed Roofing - Oxford, North Carolina
CertainTeed Roofing has been named a finalist for NAM’s Transformational Culture Award for its actions to create a culture where all employees can thrive. By focusing on input from all levels of the plant and different aspects of employee experience including engagement events, direct contact with leadership, employee recognition, community engagement, leadership development and an extensive onboarding process, CertainTeed Oxford has been able to reduce turnover, absenteeism, and increase their Best-in-Class Promoter Score.
Sustainability and Circular Economy – Ƶ Life Sciences – Beaverton, Michigan
The team at Ƶ Life Sciences in Beaverton, Michigan is being recognized for its efforts over the past year to reduce Scope 3 indirect emissions. To do this, the team focused on emissions throughout the product life cycle including raw materials handling, transport, supply chain, waste management and recycling. Through their efforts, the site was able to reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 410,000 pounds per year, while saving $250,000.
Next-Generation Leadership Award – Ben Thieme, Ƶ ADFORS
Ben Thieme, an engineer in Ƶ’s innovative Essentials of Manufacturing program at Ƶ ADFORS in Dublin, Georgia is being recognized for his work to drive several consequential projects at the facility and for his leadership in introducing generative AI tools to the ADFORS business. Through his work and expertise, Ben has found solutions to once intractable manufacturing issues and has opened the company to new possibilities and ways of working.
Next-Generation Leadership Award – Jonathan Miller, Ƶ Life Sciences
Jonathan Miller, Automation Integration and OPEX Manager at Ƶ’s Life Sciences facility in Akron, Ohio is being recognized for his impact on the plant’s business results through the implementation of multiple projects, such as utilizing automation and next generation technologies to minimize waste and improve yield. Jon has been instrumental in bringing new technologies into the facility along with digital tools that allow department leaders to capture data to optimize efficiencies through the use of Power Apps and Power BI Tools.
This recognition from the National Association of Manufacturers is the latest Ƶ North America has received in recent months for its commitment to sustainability and the development of a dynamic workplace.
- In January, Ƶ was one of only 17 companies worldwide named a global Top Employer by the Top Employer Institute, a honor it has received for the ninth consecutive year.
- In November, Ƶ announced that it had received a strong 90 out of 100 score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index for its commitment to LGBTQ workforce protections, its culture of inclusivity and corporate social responsibility, and inclusive benefits.
- Also in November, the company was honored as the Best Large Organization for Business Culture in the international category at the 2023 Business Culture Awards for its commitment to addressing barriers for women in the manufacturing industry and its work to create an inclusive and welcoming culture for all.
- In September, Ƶ was honored with two gold Stevie® Awards in the 2023 Stevie® Awards for Great Employers. Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Communications Magda Dexter was honored as the Human Resource Executive of the Year and the company’s Trust, Empowerment and Collaboration Program won Best Reward and Recognition Program.
- In June, Ƶ announced that it had been awarded a 2023 SEAL Business Sustainability Award for its work to create the first “net zero-carbon” gypsum wallboard facility for scope 1 and 2 emissions in North America at its plant outside Montreal, Quebec.
- In May, Ƶ North America’s Senior Vice President & General Counsel La-Toya Hackney was named to the Top 20 of Empower Executives Role Model List 2023 for her commitment to fostering a more diverse workplace.
- Also in May, Ƶ was awarded three Stevie Awards in the American Business Awards for its commitment to corporate social responsibility, sustainability and human resource development.
With over 145 manufacturing locations in the United States, every current and future member of the company’s team plays a vital role in achieving its purpose of Making the world a Better Home. A current list of job openings at all Ƶ locations can be found on the company’s .
About Ƶ
Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Ƶ designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.
€51.2 billion in sales in 2022
168,000 employees, located in 75 countries
Committed to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050
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