PMMI Announces Tana Utley, Caterpillar Inc., as its Packaging & Processing Women's Leadership Network Breakfast Speaker

The Packaging & Processing Women's Leadership Network (PPWLN) — sponsored by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies — will host an exclusive breakfast featuring Tana L. Utley, vice president, Caterpillar Inc., at PACK EXPO Las Vegas on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 a.m. This event is part of PPWLN's ongoing efforts to address the gender gap in the manufacturing workforce by attracting, developing, retaining and advancing women in packaging and processing. Utley will discuss this critical industry issue during her keynote presentation, "Dancing on the Glass Ceiling," as well as share strategies for making the most of the abundant opportunities that exist for women in the manufacturing industry — and how to give back.

"Tana Utley's experiences at Caterpillar and her wealth of knowledge will resonate with women in packaging and processing," says Tracy Stout, vice president, marketing and communications, PMMI. "Her unique experience in manufacturing will inform and inspire all who attend this special event."

Since joining Caterpillar in 1986, Utley has progressed from a working level engineer to a vice president and head of Caterpillar's Large Power Systems Division — thanks in part to a clear vision of her own value proposition and a definition of success that includes personal balance. Her technical career has been focused primarily on solving the challenges of reducing diesel engine emissions in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and equivalent global regulations. She has played a number of key engineering and leadership roles in the development of the near-zero-emissions engines Caterpillar sells today. She has also held general management positions in Caterpillar's components and engines businesses.

"A key factor in women's advancement is creating effective networks and learning how to leverage them," says Stout. "This event is an exciting opportunity for women in the industry to hear from a driven, accomplished leader as well as connect with their peers."

To register for the complimentary event at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, visit pmmi.org/womens-leadership-network.

PPWLN aims to expand the presence and influence of women in packaging and processing by recruiting, retaining and advancing women's careers in the industry. To network and learn about upcoming events, join the Packaging & Processing Women's Leadership Network group on LinkedIn.

The breakfast and networking event, sponsored by Duravant, ID Technology, Morrison Container Handling Solutions, Septimatech Group Inc. and SMC.

About PMMI
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents more than 800 North American manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components and materials as well as providers of related equipment and services to the packaging and processing industry. We work to advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through the world-class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media and a wide range of resources to empower our members. The PACK EXPO trade shows unite the world of packaging and processing to advance the industries they serve: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Healthcare Packaging EXPO, PACK EXPO East, EXPO PACK México, EXPO PACK Guadalajara and ProFood Tech. PMMI Media Group connects manufacturers to the latest solutions, trends and innovations in packaging and processing year-round through brands including Packaging World, Automation World, Healthcare Packaging, Contract Packaging, ProFood World and Packaging + Processing OEM. PMMI Business Drivers assist members in pursuing operational excellence through workforce development initiatives, deliver actionable business intelligence on economic, market and industry trends to support members' growth strategies, and actively connect the supply chain throughout the year.

Learn more at PMMI.org and Packexpo.com and PMMIMediaGroup.com.