Brunswick Corporation : Brunswick Employee Recognized for Excellence in Manufacturing


Manufacturing Institute
Announces Sixth Annual
Women in Manufacturing STEP Ahead Awards

METTAWA, Ill. March 1, 2018 - Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) today announced that Alicia Harris, manager - quality and planning for Sea Ray Boats in Tellico, Tenn., has been selected among 130 recipients from 88 companies to receive the Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award from the Manufacturing Institute for 2018. 

The STEP Ahead Awards honor women representing all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C suite, who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and communities.  Harris was among the 130 women chosen from across the nation as honorees of the STEP Ahead Award.

"We are extremely privileged to have Alicia chosen for this highly selective award," said Brunswick Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Schwabero.  "She is the fourth Brunswick employee from our manufacturing and engineering teams to be so honored during the past two years, which we believe is indicative of the skills and leadership abilities that are prevalent among not only women at Brunswick, but also throughout our organization." 

Women constitute one of manufacturing's largest pools of untapped talent.  Women totaled about 47 percent of the U.S. labor force in 2016, but only 29 percent of the manufacturing workforce.

"Overall, manufacturers face the growing challenge of finding, engaging and advancing talent. Women are an important element in meeting that challenge.  STEP Ahead raises awareness of these issues by showcasing opportunities and role models that can speak to the transformation of the industry - people like Alicia," Schwabero continued.  "This program celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding leaders in manufacturing, inspiring the future generations of women leaders to consider full, enriching careers in manufacturing."

Harris joined Sea Ray in 2004, starting in the assembly build process, running a production line with 35 employees.  Later as a project engineer, she directed the addition of a 24,000-square-foot lamination area along with the integration of model change activities and new products, concurrently developing new technologies to improve the build process. 

A black belt in Lean Six Sigma (LSS), Harris has leveraged her knowledge and experience to improve the broader organization with training on Lean Six Sigma techniques.  Additionally, she works with recent graduates to help develop their project engineering skills.  Harris also has volunteered as a mentor with the University of Tennessee students on senior design projects, and for several years has volunteered as a coach for the local American Youth Soccer Association program.

On April 10, The Manufacturing Institute will recognize the 130 recipients of the STEP Ahead Awards at a reception in Washington, D.C.  The STEP Ahead Awards program will highlight each honoree's story, including their leadership and accomplishments in manufacturing.

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About Brunswick
Headquartered in Mettawa, Ill., Brunswick Corporation's  leading consumer brands include Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood, Garelick and Whale marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea, Kellogg Marine, Lankhorst Taselaar, Payne's Marine and BLA parts and accessories distributors; Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Brunswick Commercial and Government Products, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Lowe, Lund, Meridian, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Thunder Jet and Uttern boats; Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Cybex, Indoor Cycling Group  and SCIFIT fitness equipment; and Brunswick billiards tables, accessories and game room furniture. For more information, visit http://www.brunswick.com.

About The Manufacturing Institute
The Manufacturing Institute (the Institute) is the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. As a non-partisan 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. For more information, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

Contact:   Daniel Kubera
    Director - Media Relations and Corporate Communications
Phone:   847-735-4617
Email:    daniel.kubera@brunswick.com