Mackenzie Zanello Haug started her career in manufacturing in a big way – at IMTS, the largest manufacturing trade show in North America, owned and operated by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.
After landing a role as the Midwest sales representative with MP Systems – a leading provider of high-pressure coolant systems and accessories – Haug found herself at IMTS on her very first day in the industry. She hadn’t even met her coworkers yet.
“I met Lee Morris (chairman of Morris Group, Inc. and a manufacturing legend) on my first day with MP Systems at IMTS,” says Haug. “It was an incredible adrenaline rush. I knew nothing about the industry, but I was immediately hooked.”
From Uncertain Start to Passionate Pro Haug’s journey into manufacturing was accidental. With a bachelor’s degree in pre-law and plans to attend law school, she took a gap year – one that led to 20+ job applications a day before finding her fit in manufacturing.
“I found exactly where I belong. I know this is something I will be doing for the rest of my life,” Mackenzie now says of manufacturing. “MP Systems took a chance on me. They saw potential in me that I didn’t even see in myself. They trained me and instilled a real passion for our products.”
Willing to Travel and Eager to Learn That passion, Mackenzie says, emanates directly from the president and founder of MP Systems, Michael Paul Sayers. “It was easy to sell a product that clearly worked and that everyone was so confident about.”
Now covering six Midwest states, Haug thrives on solving tough machining challenges with MP Systems’ tools, which are designed to reduce downtime and extend tool life.
“I love being in the field and seeing the machines at work,” Haug explains. “The customers I find the most interesting are the ones who have the most challenging projects, who require custom specs.”
An Emerging Leader Haug is now a part of the AMT Leadership Forum, a group designed to nurture the next generation of manufacturing leaders from every sector of the industry. She also attended her first MFG Meeting in San Antonio in February and the AMT Meetup in Chicago in June. At both events, Haug met potential collaborators and customers.
“I love that all of the AMT events and groups give me a chance to collaborate and network,” she says. “Beyond events, AMT provides research, surveys, and valuable connections. The AMT staff are always eager to help. Joining AMT was an easy choice – the value is undeniable.”
Looking Ahead Rising leaders like Haug show that with the support of AMT and a passion for the work, a career in manufacturing can be impactful and inspiring – and vital to the future prosperity of the industry.
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