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Two Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Leaders Earn National Manufacturing Honor
Factory Manager Taylor Howell and Purchasing Manager Angelica Salazar recognized by The Manufacturing Institute
Published on Mar. 11, 2026
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Two employee owners at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, a manufacturing company based in Pullman, Washington, have been named 2026 STEP Ahead Award honorees by The Manufacturing Institute. Factory Manager Taylor Howell and Purchasing Manager Angelica Salazar were recognized for their leadership, innovation, and contributions to the manufacturing industry.
Why it matters
The STEP Ahead Awards highlight the important role that manufacturing leaders play in encouraging others to enter and grow within the industry, which is crucial for addressing ongoing workforce shortages and skills gaps.
The details
Howell began her career at SEL as an intern and was later promoted to factory manager, where she has overseen major operational improvements at the company's Illinois facility. Salazar joined SEL as an intern in 2010 and now leads purchasing teams responsible for new product introduction and the U.S. panels supply chain. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped implement strategies to maintain production despite global supply chain disruptions.
- The STEP Ahead Awards ceremony will take place in Washington, D.C. in April 2026.
- Howell and Salazar will be recognized alongside 143 other honorees selected from more than 1,000 nominees nationwide.
The players
Taylor Howell
Factory Manager at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories' E.O. Schweitzer Manufacturing facility in Lake Zurich, Illinois.
Angelica Salazar
Purchasing Manager at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, responsible for new product introduction and the U.S. panels supply chain.
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
A manufacturing company based in Pullman, Washington that specializes in power system solutions.
The Manufacturing Institute
The workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, which organizes the annual STEP Ahead Awards.
Carolyn Lee
President of The Manufacturing Institute.
Leith Sorenson
Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories.
What they’re saying
“The STEP Ahead Awards recognize the character and contributions of leaders throughout the manufacturing workforce and the role they play in encouraging others to enter and grow within the industry.”
— Carolyn Lee, President of The Manufacturing Institute
“We are proud to see Taylor and Angelica recognized at the national level for their leadership and impact on our organization.”
— Leith Sorenson, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
What’s next
Howell and Salazar will be honored alongside other STEP Ahead Award recipients during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in April 2026.
The takeaway
The recognition of Howell and Salazar's leadership and contributions to the manufacturing industry highlights the important role that manufacturing companies play in developing and promoting talent, which is crucial for addressing ongoing workforce challenges in the sector.
