Trane Technologies' Michelle Murphy and Maria Jackson Named 2021 STEP Ahead Award Honorees for Excellence in Manufacturing

SWORDS, Ireland, July 29, 2021 /3BL Media/ - Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, announced today that vice president of diversity, inclusion and talent management Michelle Murphy and plant manager Maria Jackson are recipients of The Manufacturing Institute’s 2021 STEP Ahead Awards. The awards celebrate exceptional women in all levels of the manufacturing industry who have made outstanding achievements in their companies and communities.

Michelle Murphy is Trane Technologies’ vice president of diversity, inclusion and talent management. Michelle leads the company’s efforts to create a progressive, diverse and inclusive work environment. “Beyond the amazing culture we’ve built, I’m most proud of having cultivated a place where every person can bring their full, best self to work each day,” Michelle said. “We know that authentic diversity and true inclusion will result in more innovation, better business results, and the best talent doing their finest work in service of our bold purpose.”

Some of Michelle’s accomplishments include spearheading the signing of Paradigm for Parity, a plan that’s aimed at achieving 50% of women in leadership by 2030. She also implemented Bridging Connections, a program that gives employees the opportunity to learn and safely explore difficult topics like racial inequity and mental health, and helped expand a signature Trane Technologies program with the Urban League of Central Carolinas that focuses on training and certifying people to work in the industry.

Maria Jackson is the plant manager at Trane’s plant in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Under Maria’s leadership, the plant has seen a 60% improvement in quality over the past four years. In addition, she has helped create a culture that is focused on safety. “One of the things that I’m really proud of is keeping my people safe,” Maria said. “My number one priority is to send them home in the same shape that they came to work in.”

Maria is also inspiring future generations. In August 2019, she gave a group of young girls a tour of the plant and let them take part in events and activities that gave them a sense of the manufacturing process. “I grew up in the tail end of a generation where women didn’t get involved in manufacturing or engineering. It’s so exciting to see young girls set their sights on these types of careers and know they can do anything.”

“We are excited to see Michelle and Maria be honored with this prestigious and well-deserved award,” said Mairead Magner, Trane Technologies vice president of talent and organization. “They both inspire others with their hard work and dedication and exemplify our core values of challenging what’s possible for a sustainable world.”

Michelle and Maria are among 130 recipients from across the country who will receive this year’s awards. They’ll be honored on November 4th at the STEP Ahead Awards Gala in Washington, D.C.

The Manufacturing Institute is the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). In 2012, it launched the STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Women’s Initiative with the objective of closing the gender gap in manufacturing. It also works to empower and inspire women and motivates them to pay it forward by mentoring the next generation.

Trane Technologies, and its leading brands Trane and Thermo King, is helping solve for some of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges and inspiring industry change with its 2030 Sustainability Commitments. These commitments include a pledge to reduce customer greenhouse gas emissions by one gigaton (2% of the world’s annual emissions) and carbon-neutral operations. Its “Opportunity for All” pledge commits to achieving gender parity in leadership, workforce diversity reflective of its communities, and community initiatives that support equitable education and pathways to green and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers. Trane Technologies is also making a positive difference in the community with significant investments in healthy environments for learning, access to education and workforce development.

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About Trane Technologies

Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane and Thermo King, and our environmentally responsible portfolio of products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes, and transportation. Learn more at tranetechnologies.com.