Molly Wood: A Pillar at Ace Industries and the CMAA

Posted by Kelly Sims on Jan 09, 2024

Molly Wood: A Pillar at Ace Industries and the CMAA

In her 18 years at Ace Industries, Molly Wood has been a powerhouse as our top engineering manager. Outside of our company, Molly also has a big role as Vice President at the  Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), which is part of the MHI - the national trade association for the material handling, logistics, and supply chain industry in the United States.

The Role and Impact of the CMAA

CMAA is a significant player within the MHI, dedicated to ensuring excellence in crane manufacturing. They establish the guidelines for how cranes should be made, prioritizing safety, optimal performance, and the integration of cutting-edge technology. Molly Wood actively contributes to these efforts as part of the CMAA Engineering Committee.

Meeting twice a year, this committee, with Molly's involvement, strives to determine the most effective ways to operate cranes and hoists. By establishing industry-wide standards, they ensure that everyone in the field follows practices that prioritize safety and efficiency. Molly's integral role in this committee reflects the unwavering commitment of Ace Industries to uphold the highest standards in our industry practices; emphasizing our dedication to delivering reliable, safe, and efficient crane solutions crafted with precision and expertise.

Ace Industries: A Leader in Crane Manufacturing

At Ace Industries, we take pride in our position as leaders in the crane manufacturing industry. Our expertise spans a diverse range of cranes, from smaller 1.0t models to robust 100t giants, all complemented by comprehensive runway systems. This extensive portfolio enables us to cater to a wide-ranging clientele, including military bases, defense contractors, power plants, paper millscar manufacturers and steel processing & distribution facilities.

What truly sets Ace Industries apart is our unwavering commitment to providing custom solutions tailored to the unique needs of each sector we serve. Our dedication to quality craftsmanship is evident in every product and service we offer. It's not just a part of our mission; it's a reflection of our deep understanding of the distinct needs within each industry we touch.

Ace Mission Statement

Our Mission is to Build Great Lifting Equipment, Foster Innovation that Improves our Industry and Provide a Place Where People are Valued and Can Grow.

The involvement of Molly Wood in our journey serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit and expertise that define Ace Industries. With her leadership and the collective efforts of our team, we are steadfast in leading the way, delivering unparalleled solutions to the material handling and crane manufacturing landscape. At Ace Industries, we don't just meet expectations; we exceed them by understanding and meeting the unique demands of every sector we serve.

Molly Wood's Vision and Impact

In her recent interview, Wood opens up about what keeps her going as a leader in our industry. She talks about her love for manufacturing and how closely she looks at how things work. She's proud of the team's recent projects, like the stacker crane for the Navy and a big crane for a concrete plant. These aren't just projects; they're proof of how good her team is at figuring things out and getting the job done right. 

Wood's inspiration doesn't come from fancy offices but from the heart of it all – the factory floor. She deeply respects the skill and dedication of her coworkers, the welders, fitters, and electricians. She knows their hard work keeps everything going, and for her, that's what matters most. Wood understands how crucial it is to keep things running smoothly on the production line because it's not just about the machines; it's about the people making a living. 

This perspective from Molly Wood isn't just about engineering; it's about respecting the folks who get their hands dirty every day to make things happen. It's a reminder that success in manufacturing isn't just about technology; it's about the dedication of the people who keep the wheels turning.

Business Philosophy and Entry into the Field

Wood's business philosophy is simple yet profound: create the best product tailored to the client's needs. At Ace Industries, this translates into personalized, turnkey solutions designed to solve real-world problems, highlighting the company's dedication to a customer-centric approach. 

Her journey into the engineering field is a story of an accidental yet serendipitous discovery. Originally aspiring to be a veterinarian, Wood's path took an unexpected turn during a summer experience in Germany. This experience ignited her interest in engineering, eventually leading her to Ace Industries in Georgia. It is a journey that highlights the unpredictability of life and the remarkable outcomes that can emerge when passion meets opportunity. 

Conclusion 

Molly Wood's position at Ace Industries and her active role within the CMAA paints a picture of a dynamic leader in the crane and hoist industry. Her commitment to innovation, deep respect for the manufacturing process, and dedication to offering practical solutions set her apart as a notable figure in this sector. 

In both Ace Industries and the CMAA, her experience and visionary approach bring substantial benefits, propelling the standards and capabilities of the crane manufacturing industry forward. Molly Wood's influence is felt not only within the walls of Ace Industries but also resonates throughout the broader industry, contributing to its growth and evolution.

Interested in reading more? Read the full article by OCH.

Interested in careers at Ace? View our current opportunities.