Hellwig CEO Melanie Hellwig-White Honored with Prestigious Women MAKE Award
Hellwig Suspension Products, a leading manufacturer of towing, hauling, and performance suspension products, is thrilled to announce that CEO Melanie Hellwig-White has been recognized with a prestigious 2024 Women MAKE Award from the Manufacturing Institute.
The Women MAKE Awards (formerly the STEP Awards) celebrate the achievements of exceptional women across the entire manufacturing industry. Melanie joins a select group of 100 Honorees chosen from a pool of 1,000 nominees. This recognition highlights her dedication to leadership, innovation, mentorship, and community impact.
Melanie’s story exemplifies dedication and hard work. Since joining her family’s company, a certified Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) business, in 2005, she’s steadily risen through the ranks. Her passion and leadership led her to become President and CEO in 2018. Under her guidance, Hellwig has seen remarkable growth, nearly tripling its revenue.
Despite her impressive climb, Melanie remains grounded. “After almost 20 years in the industry,” she says, “I still enjoy putting on my steel-toed boots and walking the factory floor with my team.” This commitment to collaboration and hands-on leadership is a cornerstone of her success.
Melanie’s influence extends far beyond the walls of Hellwig. She actively contributes to the Society of Automotive Engineers in Southern California, mentoring engineering students at local universities. Additionally, she champions initiatives that empower women in the industry, partnering with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network and SEMA’s Gear-Up Girl program. Her recent appointment as incoming Chair of the Board of Directors for SEMA further amplifies her impact. In this role, she advocates for and protects family-owned businesses across the United States, ensuring a thriving future for the manufacturing sector.
We at Hellwig are incredibly proud of Melanie and her well-deserved recognition by the Manufacturing Institute. Her leadership, innovation, and passion for the industry inspire us all. We look forward to seeing her continue to break barriers and champion growth for women and family-owned businesses in the future.
For more information on the Women MAKE Awards, click here.