Olivia Ostrander - Powell Fabrication & Manufacturing LLC - 2025 Manufacturing Emerging Leader
This article appeared in the December 2025 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.
Parts Sales Specialist Olivia Ostrander has not only immersed herself in thoroughly understanding Powell Fabrication & Manufacturing’s processes, products and possibilities for future innovations, but she is also determined to help customers and future talent reach their potential as well.
Ostrander was hired at the longtime St. Louis-based business four years ago, while she was still working to obtain her bachelor’s degree. Since then, she has been focused on learning all she can in order to deepen her role as a trusted adviser to customers. In her personal life, Ostrander has been giving back to the community ever since she was a child.
As shown by her compassion toward others and her dedication to Powell’s success and that of its customers, Ostrander has made a name for herself as a trailblazer, leading to her selection as a 2025 Manufacturing Emerging Leader.
Embracing the Industry
Once Ostrander began working at Powell — which custom-engineers and manufactures chemical-processing equipment, bleach manufacturing equipment and chlorine-handling safety equipment — she became driven to learn more and more.
“She devotes her time to learning about the most up-to-date methods and processes, focusing on quality for part and equipment longevity, which provides our customers with gold-standard service,” says Inside Sales and Marketing Group Manager Kami Tanghe, who nominated Ostrander for this award. “Within the chemical industry, cutting corners is not an option. Olivia’s dedication to going the extra mile and making sure all aspects of the customer’s needs are met solidifies this gold-standard service.”
Ostrander has the ability to see things from a 30,000-foot view, Tanghe adds.
“Her approach is to build relationships as a trusted adviser to the clients, and she’s not afraid to contact the highest level in the organization or the lowest level,” says Powell CEO Brent Hardman.
Ostrander routinely guides and assists customers to ensure that their machines and systems are performing optimally and efficiently, he adds.
“I’m motivated by the idea that there is always a better way to do something,” Ostrander says. “The manufacturing and chemical industry is an ever-changing industry, so just trying to stay curious and apply new ideas helps us stay up to date.”
Her efforts even have the potential to save customers money and protect their consumers from hazards associated with chemical processing.
“Olivia has developed a recommended maintenance schedule for many of our components and is proactively guiding our customers on the best approach and timeframe to replace the components,” Tanghe explains.
Ostrander also participates in organizations including the Alliance for Chemical Distributors and the Gratiot Young Professionals Network. In 2024, the Middle Michigan Development Corporation honored her with the 40 Under 40 Award.
“She’s a new, young leader, but she is wise beyond her years for sure,” Hardman says.
Building Up the Community
Ostrander works to raise awareness about the importance of manufacturing in Michigan to the other emerging leaders and people around the industry.
“She has this passion for manufacturing, and she has the mindset, eagerness and willingness to see it grow and thrive,” Hardman says. “Her energy is infectious. She brings a spark to the room that just lifts everybody up, and she is willing to take on any challenge, big or small, even in the times when nobody’s looking.”
Tanghe echoes Hardman’s sentiment.
“Olivia is motivated to become the best version of herself,” she says. “She’s not in competition with anyone else. She’s just interested in making sure that she raises her own bar, sets her own challenges and completes things that she starts.”
Ostrander’s work and service ethics were instilled in her at a young age by her parents, who participated in many community initiatives.
Ostrander volunteered during the summers to paint local park equipment and also helped clean up the cemetery. She continues to participate in food drives and other charitable events, while remaining committed to opening the eyes of students to help them see fulfilling career opportunities in manufacturing.
“Being awarded the 2025 Manufacturing Emerging Leader is incredibly humbling and rewarding,” Ostrander says. “It reminds me of how far I’ve come and also all the people who have helped me along the way. Professionally, it reminds me to stay the course and keep driving that change in the industry.”
Due to her commitment to the community, the viability of other manufacturing businesses and the education of future professionals, MMA is proud to recognize Olivia Ostrander with this prestigious award.
The Manufacturing Emerging Leader award is part of the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards which celebrates the leaders and products that are pushing the industry forward. Learn more about the awards program and gala.
The 2025 Manufacturing Emerging Leader award was sponsored by Nexteer Automotive. Visit online: wolvgroup.com.