Swee Har Wilcox, Plant Manager for Armstrong Flooring, Inc. in Jackson, Tennessee was recently recognized with a Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award. The STEP Ahead Awards represent all levels of the manufacturing industry and honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers.
Wilcox was recognized for, “demonstrating courage and skill in initiating changes to the organizational structure to address the changing needs of the plant and customers. She has effectively applied Lean principles to ensure alignment on roles, priorities, and expectations, and designates time on all shifts to ensure a connection to the entire workforce. Wilcox has also been a strong customer advocate, surpassing service targets and engaging the entire workforce in quality through a system that is recognized as a model for the entire Hardwood Division.”
Wilcox was also cited for being a tremendous mentor in several areas. She serves on a steering committee for the corporate Engineering Leadership Development Program to select, onboard, and mentor recent college graduates in preparation for future leadership roles within the company. She is proactive in reaching out to peers to share good ideas and collaborate on improvement initiatives that benefit not only the Jackson plant, but other plants in the company as well.
“Today’s manufacturing is safer, cleaner, greener and high tech. Most of all, it provides multitudes of opportunities and growth for all people with diverse talents and aspirations,” said Wilcox. “Through innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement, every team member is given a platform to transform ideas into tangible products.”
Wilcox is a board member of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce where she serves on the steering committee for “Forward Jackson” to develop the 5-year strategic plan. She has also supported the Chamber’s “Leadership Jackson,” a professional leadership development program, as a Guest/Panel speaker for the last three years. She leads Armstrong Flooring’s employee fundraising efforts in Jackson and supports several non-profit organizations, including the United Way, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and the Regional Interfaith Association.