Cornerstone Building Brands' Quality Manager Wins 2026 STEP Ahead Award
Event summary
- Wanda Duran, quality and technology manager at Cornerstone Building Brands' North Brunswick facility, received the 2026 STEP Ahead Award from The Manufacturing Institute.
- Duran led 18 major quality initiatives over the past year, improving operational efficiency and product reliability.
- Cornerstone has had seven honorees from its ranks since 2020 in this program.
- The awards gala will be held in Washington, D.C., on April 23, 2026.
The big picture
Cornerstone Building Brands' recognition underscores the strategic importance of quality leadership in manufacturing. As the industry faces skilled labor shortages, initiatives like STEP Ahead highlight how companies are leveraging internal talent development to drive operational excellence and long-term customer trust. With over 18,800 employees, Cornerstone's focus on mentorship and STEM education positions it to strengthen its workforce pipeline amid evolving market demands.
What we're watching
- Talent Retention
- How Cornerstone's investment in workforce development programs will affect its ability to attract and retain top talent.
- Operational Efficiency
- Whether the quality initiatives led by Duran can be scaled across other facilities to drive consistent improvements.
- Industry Perception
- The pace at which programs like STEP Ahead reshape perceptions of manufacturing as a career path for diverse talent.
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