OPW employee Tina Desjardins named 2026 STEP Ahead Awards honoree

Tina Desjardins, production engineering manager at BASE Engineering, OPW‘s business segment, has been recognized as a 2026 STEP Ahead Awards honoree by the Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers.

Desjardins is recognized for her leadership in advancing manufacturing operations at BASE Engineering’s Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, facility. She leads cross-functional initiatives to improve production efficiency, strengthen quality performance and enhance workplace safety while also mentoring early-career employees and supporting technical workforce development.

“We are proud to see Tina recognized by the Manufacturing Institute,” says David Malinas, president of OPW. “Her leadership reflects OPW’s commitment to operational excellence and to developing the next generation of manufacturing talent.”

Chosen from over 1,000 applicants across over 100 companies, Desjardins is among 145 recipients to be honored at the annual STEP Ahead Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., on April 23. These annual awards recognize employees who have excelled in their careers and showcase leadership across all levels of the manufacturing industry.

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