SCMA honors sector leaders with ‘Defender of Manufacturing’ award

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The S.C. Manufacturers Alliance Executive Committee recognized two industry leaders from the public and private sector at a celebratory dinner at the Greenville’s Poinsett Club on March 31. 

At the event, Dirk Pieper, president and CEO of Sage Automotive Interiors, and Gov. Henry McMaster were both recognized for their role in advancing the state’s manufacturing industry with the 2022 Roger Milliken Defender of Manufacturing Award, according to a news release. 

“The manufacturing industry, in South Carolina and throughout the United States, creates generational opportunities that enhance our quality of life, strengthen communities, and grows our economy,” April Allen, chair of the S.C. Manufacturers Alliance and director of U.S. government relations of Continental, aid in the news release. “That’s why we honor the individuals who have made extraordinary contributions for enhancing this industry with the SCMA’s most prestigious award. Their work and dedication in strengthening manufacturing will have a meaningful and lasting impact.” 

Pieper was named president and CEO of Sage at the auto supplier’s inception in 2009 after Pieper served Milliken & Co. as director of manufacturing, managing director of European operations and global business manager. He graduated from Washington and Lee University with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and received an MBA from Clemson University in 1990. 

“Throughout my career in manufacturing, I have seen firsthand the life-changing opportunities and impact this industry creates,” Pieper said in the news release. “Great jobs, community involvement and innovation that literally creates the future are just some of the hallmarks that makes American manufacturing so special. This is why we work every day to ensure manufacturers have the best environment possible, so businesses can thrive, and our workforce can be successful. It is an honor to have been a part of the process to make South Carolina such a great place for industry to prosper.” 

McMaster became the 117th governor of South Carolina on Jan. 24, 2017, following former Gov. Nikki Haley’s appointment as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. He was elected to a full term as governor in November 2018. Since he has been in office, the state announced more than 61,000 new jobs and $18 billion in new capital investment in the state, according to the release. 

“The success of our manufacturing industry has helped lead South Carolina to new heights and record-breaking economic growth,” McMaster said in the release. “The industry has played a key role in transforming our economy, our communities and making South Carolina a manufacturing powerhouse. We are committed to providing our manufacturers with a competitive business environment that allows for them and South Carolina to prosper.”