Wyoming Machine president receives national STEP Award

Lori Tapani

Wyoming Machine, Stacy, Minn., has announced that Lori Tapani, co-president, has accepted the national STEP Award in Washington, D.C., for her contributions to the manufacturing industry.

The Manufacturing Institute launched the STEP (science, technology, engineering, and production) Ahead initiative in 2012 to celebrate women in the manufacturing industry who are making a difference through advocacy, mentorship, engagement, promotion, and leadership.

Tapani promotes women in manufacturing and skills development on many fronts. She has been especially involved with Pine Technical College in Pine City, Minn., to assist the college with a manufacturing technology curriculum. In particular, she has worked with the college to use technology to bring virtual classes to manufacturers to train their employees. In addition, she plays an active role in the Washington County chapter of the National Association of Workforce Boards to help communities train unskilled workers for careers in manufacturing.