Saint-Gobain North America Named Finalist for Three 2023 Manufacturing Leadership Awards From the National Association of Manufacturers

The company’s CertainTeed Roofing plant was recognized for its achievements in sustainability and circular economy, while its Saint-Gobain Life Sciences’ facility was honored for its work to create a transformational culture.

Saint-Gobain North America announced today that it has been named a finalist in three 2023 Manufacturing Leadership Awards categories from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The company’s CertainTeed Roofing plant in Shakopee, Minnesota was recognized for its achievements in sustainability and circular economy, while its Saint-Gobain Life Sciences’ facility in Akron, Ohio was honored for its work to create a transformational culture. In addition, one of the company’s Environmental, Health and Safety professionals, Emily Ambrose, has 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 honor manufacturing companies and individual manufacturing leaders that are shaping the future of global manufacturing.  

“We are honored to once again be recognized by the National Association of Manufacturers’ Manufacturing Leadership Council for our leadership in creating a more sustainable manufacturing industry where everyone has the power to learn, make a difference and grow.” said Regan Gallo, Vice President, CertainTeed Industrial Excellence Program. “Our teams will continue to innovate and enhance our ways of working to ensure that we live up to our purpose of making the world a better home while creating an industry open for all to start a promising career.”  

Sustainability and Circular Economy Award – CertainTeed Roofing - Shakopee, Minnesota  

CertainTeed has been named a finalist for NAM’s Sustainability and Circular Economy Award for its actions to maximize energy savings at its roofing plant in Shakopee, Minnesota. By upgrading key equipment used in the production of roofing shingles, specifically three new, energy-efficient air compressors with control functions, two new refrigerant air dryers, and the installation of two new hot oil heaters, the facility will save over 5,000 MWh of energy per year, while reducing both scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions.  In addition, through a partnership with a local vendor, the facility is now able to recycle cores, plastics and super sacks, diverting over 300 tons of industrial waste from landfill and reducing previously non-recoverable waste by 42%.

Transformational Cultures Award – Saint-Gobain Life Sciences – Akron, Ohio  

Saint-Gobain Life Sciences is a finalist for NAM’s Transformational Cultures Award for the efforts of its team in Akron, OH to transform their workplace culture through trust, empowerment and collaboration. By prioritizing teamwork and open discussion while supporting those at the level closest to the operation to make decisions, the team has seen significant progress with quality complaints down 29% and improvement in waste reduction, water usage and recycling.   

Next-Generation Leadership Award – Emily Ambrose, Saint-Gobain Environmental, Health and Safety  

Emily Ambrose, a Regional Environmental, Health and Safety Manager for Saint-Gobain North America, has been named a finalist for NAM’s Next-Generation Leadership Award for her work to promote sustainability and a culture of safety at the Saint-Gobain Life Sciences facility in Akron, Ohio. Through initiatives spearheaded by Emily, the plant has seen great improvement in its efforts to reduce landfill waste, water usage and increase recycling to help the company meet its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Emily also led the team through the COVID-19 pandemic.   

This recognition from the National Association of Manufacturers is the latest Saint-Gobain North America has received in recent months for its commitment to sustainability and the development of a dynamic workplace.  

• In January, Saint-Gobain was one of only 15 companies named a global Top Employer by the Top Employer Institute, an honor it has received for the 8th consecutive year. 
• In November, Saint-Gobain was awarded three CEO World Awards for its efforts to empower, mentor and promote women in the manufacturing industry.  
• In Fall 2022, Saint-Gobain was also recognized in Forbes Magazine’s 2022 List of America’s Best Employers for Women, and Yello and WayUp’s list of Top 100 Internship Programs of 2022.    

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 Saint-Gobain locations can be found on the company’s careers website.    

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain 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”.