Sukup Dir. of Human Resources Recognized for Manufacturing Excellence

The Manufacturing Institute is recognizing Sukup Manufacturing Co.’s Director of Human Resources for excellence in manufacturing.

Samantha Petersburg is being honored with a “Women MAKE America Award”. Out of thousands of nominations, Samantha is one of 130 women who will be recognized in Washington, DC next month.

As an honoree, Samantha joins other women across the nation who exhibit successful leadership in the manufacturing industry. All levels of the industry are represented; from the factory floor to the C-suite.

This recognition comes as a shock for Samantha.

“My goal every day is to come in and be engaged with our workforce. It’s about connection. It’s about relationship. I want to prioritize our employees in the business decisions I am involved with, in this HR position.”

For roughly a decade, Samantha has worked to create a meaningful place for people to work.

“I want there to be a family-friendly environment, a place that allows everyone to be successful no matter what role they are at Sukup Manufacturing. Every role here is important,” Samantha emphasized.

President and CEO Steve Sukup witnessed her perseverance during adversity.

"Samantha did an excellent job navigating Sukup through the Covid challenges. Despite those challenges, she focused on employee recruitment and retention and continues to build our employee base today."

Co-workers describe her as a dynamic problem solver, strong voice, and a positive force within Sukup Manufacturing. Employee recruitment and retention dominate her days, as she takes to heart prioritizing employees at all locations.

“Samantha is a huge advocate for all our employees, especially those working on the plant floor,” says Margaret Standish-Bruce, Associate Corporate Council. “She has shown me best practices within the HR department, how to react and address high pressure or stressful situations. Having someone trust that I could do complex projects gave me a lot of confidence going into law school. She’s been a mentor to me, and I am so thankful to work with her!”

For roughly a decade, Samantha has made many positives changes within the company. She’s grown Sukup’s internship program, which has allowed them to retain 65% of those interns over the years. She was instrumental in the planning and ultimate success of an on-site health clinic. Today, it averages more appointments per day than comparable rural clinics. Most recently, Samantha has developed policies that bring the focus to the families working at Sukup. Paid parental leave is now a reality for employees.

“Samantha’s leadership has inspired me and is influencing the next generation of talent at Sukup. I’ve worked closely with her for years. She’s a born leader and a strong advocate for those on the manufacturing floor,” says Emily Schmitt, CAO and General Counsel.

Emily herself is a previous 2019 honoree. “I feel compelled to lift others who have impacted my journey in manufacturing. I nominated Lori Schaefer-Weaton of Agri Industrial Plastics, and she won in 2021. Now Samantha has been honored, too.”

Emily sees that women like Samantha are helping close the gender gap. Especially in an often male-dominated workforce such as manufacturing. According to the Manufacturing Institute, “Women today account for less than 1 in 3 manufacturing workers, despite representing about half of the overall workforce.”

Those who work alongside Samantha see level-headed leadership. A person solution-focused in any situation.

Advertising Manager Jaime Copley says, “Manufacturing is an industry of diversity; with a culture and environment all its own. Samantha knows no limits when it comes to hiring, training, guiding and teaching. She’s approachable, available and provides answers to the numerous departments she works with at the company. Additionally, she knows everyone in a manufacturing company that employs hundreds.”

Samantha goes on to bring the focus back to the team. “I enjoy sharing my passion for people. I enjoy connecting with all employees. At the end of the day, we hope to create a place where people want to come back and work again the next day.”

The Women MAKE Awards are part of the Manufacturing Institutes Women MAKE America initiative, which is the nation’s marquee program to close the gender gap in manufacturing.

Women currently make up more than 30% of the Sukup workforce. That’s more than the national average.

Currently, The Manufacturing Institute is working to increase the percentage of women among manufacturers over the next 10 years.

"I feel like our employees are the heartbeat of Sukup Manufacturing. To be able to support them throughout the year, I take great pride in these men and women."