The Manufacturing Institute has honored three Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. employees with a Woman in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award for 2016.

Aditi Saran, a technology team leader for Goodyear’s new product industrialization team at its Fayetteville, N.C., tire plant; Anna Klein, a continuous improvement leader at Goodyear’s chemical plant in Houston; and Katelyn Riha, a mechanical engineer at Goodyear’s Topeka, Kan., plant, were recognized for their excellence and leadership in manufacturing.

“The STEP Ahead Awards present us with an opportunity to formally recognize the achievements of some of the outstanding women in our manufacturing organization,” said Stephen R. McClellan, president of Goodyear Americas.

“These awards have been well-earned. Aditi, Anna and Katelyn have demonstrated a proven ability to lead teams and manage projects, mentor their peers and make a positive impact in the community,” McClellan adds. “We are extremely proud to have these three women represent Goodyear at this year’s STEP Ahead Awards.”

Saran was honored with a STEP Ahead Award and is responsible for leading teams that reduced waste and enhanced quality. She joined Goodyear in 2004.

Klein was honored with a STEP Ahead Emerging Leader Award for leading the full implementation of Power Steering, Goodyear’s Web platform for managing improvement projects across chemical operations, Goodyear said. Klein joined Goodyear in 2012.

Riha was also named a STEP Ahead Emerging Leader Award winner and has contributed to the success of the Goodyear Topeka, Kan., especially with the development of a repeatable, ergonomic cutting system used to produce 63-inch earthmover tires. Riha joined Goodyear in 2013.

The STEP Ahead Awards program will be held at a reception in Washington, D.C., in April.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. also had two employees recognized with STEP Ahead Awards.