2011 Leader Under 40: Patricia Landry, 36
Maintenance Manager, Noranda Alumina
Plant Engineering Staff
Patricia Landry, 36 
Maintenance Manager, Noranda Alumina
Years at Noranda Alumina: 14
Nominator: Paul Bledsoe
Supervisor: Ramon Gil
Education: BS Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University
Patricia’s contributions: “Patricia Landry exemplifies the dynamic spirit of American industry. She has been an exceptional engineer and leader, bringing tough assignments to successful completion and inspiring others to work positively to accomplish what others just ponder. She possesses the leadership we needed to get through difficult challenges, including development of process safety management, and as lead facilitator to improve maintenance productivity and plant performance. She uses her strong people skills to embolden her charges to achieve excellent results. Her personal life is equally remarkable, being the mother of two children, and co-owner of a growing business with her husband,” said Paul Bledsoe.
Why a career in manufacturing? “Manufacturing and chemical engineering both focus on science at a practical level. American industry helped make this country the best in the world. I wanted to be part of assuring that we continue to hold that edge. The aspect of manufacturing that I love the most is continually improving a process that has been in operation 50 years. Every day must be better, to remain competitive in the market. Most problems must be solved with others, to get the best results. I very much enjoy working in a team environment and inspiring others to perform at their best.”
Return to the complete list of the 2011 Leaders Under 40.
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2012 Salary Survey
In a year when manufacturing continued to lead the economic rebound, it makes sense that plant manager bonuses rebounded. Plant Engineering’s annual Salary Survey shows both wages and bonuses rose in 2012 after a retreat the year before.
Average salary across all job titles for plant floor management rose 3.5% to $95,446, and bonus compensation jumped to $15,162, a 4.2% increase from the 2010 level and double the 2011 total, which showed a sharp drop in bonus.