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2012 Leader Under 40: Emily Fritts, 38

Plant Operations Manager, Schneider Electric, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

By Plant Engineering Staff September 11, 2012

Emily Fritts, 38

Plant Operations Manager, Schneider Electric, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Years at Schneider Electric: 5

Education: BS Industrial Engineering, Tennessee Technological University; MS Business Administration (in process), Kettering University

Emily’s contributions

“Emily’s technical expertise, strategic thinking, and concern for people combine to create a compassionate, dynamic and engaging leader who inspires people to achieve their best no matter the challenge,” said Lloyd Palmer, vice president of manufacturing operations at Schneider Electric in Palatine, Ill. “As plant manager, she led her plant to attain some of the best efficiency gains in the region. Emily’s leadership prowess extends outside work, where she serves on the local Metro Economic Alliance and is actively involved in the American Heart Association, among other charities. It is a pleasure to see Emily achieve so much early in her career, and I’m confident the best is yet to come.”

Why a career in manufacturing?

“My manufacturing career began in automotive leading new product launches, problem-solving and making things better, faster, smarter. I continued to hone my leadership skills with Schneider Electric as an engineering manager, regional strategist, and plant manager. My journey has afforded me incredible opportunity to use my technical background and my love for talent management. It is exceptionally rewarding to mentor new graduates in manufacturing, helping them evolve into tomorrow’s leaders. Manufacturing is the epitome of ‘think on your feet,’ and each day brings with it new opportunity for a promising career.”


Author Bio: Since 1947, plant engineers, plant managers, maintenance supervisors and manufacturing leaders have turned to Plant Engineering for the information they needed to run their plants smarter, safer, faster and better. Plant Engineering‘s editors stay on top of the latest trends in manufacturing at every corner of the plant floor. The major content areas include electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automation engineering and maintenance and management.