Watry Industries, LLC

Amanda DeGrand is the Quality Manager of New Product Development at Watry Industries, LLC. She specializes in new product development, quality planning, launch readiness, supplier development, APQP, and PPAP activities for new manufacturing programs. Passionate about continuous improvement and team development, she is committed to helping organizations achieve successful product launches through collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence.

Quality Starts with “Voice of the Customer” in New Product Development

When people think about manufacturing, they often picture machines, automation, and advanced technologies. While these elements drive modern production, successful manufacturing ultimately comes down to people. Nowhere is that more evident than during a new product launch.

Bringing a new product from concept to production is one of the most complex and rewarding challenges in manufacturing. Launch teams must balance customer expectations, technical requirements, supply chain constraints, quality standards, and aggressive timelines, often simultaneously. Success depends not only on technical expertise, but also on effective leadership.

Throughout my career in quality and new product development, I have learned that leadership is often the difference between a launch that struggles and one that succeeds.

Successful launches are built through planning, communication, and collaboration. They begin when engineering, operations, quality, suppliers, and customers align around a shared vision of success. The strongest launch teams focus on identifying risks early, addressing concerns openly, and making decisions based on long-term product success rather than short-term convenience.

Many launch issues are not caused by technical failures. They stem from communication gaps, misunderstood expectations, or assumptions that go unchallenged. Leaders play a critical role in creating an environment where team members feel comfortable asking questions, raising concerns, and sharing ideas.

Leadership is not about having every answer. It is about bringing together talented people and creating the conditions for success.

Resilience Drives Results

Every product launch encounters challenges. Engineering changes occur. Production issues emerge. Supply chains experience disruptions. Customer expectations evolve.

The reality of manufacturing is that obstacles are inevitable.

"Successful launches are built through planning, communication, and collaboration."

What separates successful organizations from the rest is not their ability to avoid problems, but their ability to respond effectively when those problems arise. Resilient leaders remain focused, adaptable, and solutions-oriented during uncertainty. They help teams navigate challenges without losing sight of the ultimate objective: delivering a high-quality product that meets customer expectations. 

Over time, I have learned that the most valuable lessons often come from difficult launches. Every challenge solved becomes knowledge that strengthens future projects, improves processes, and develops stronger teams.

The Value of Diverse Perspectives 

As a woman in manufacturing leadership, I have witnessed significant changes across our industry. Manufacturing today is driven by innovation, digital technologies, data analytics, automation, and continuous improvement. As challenges become more complex, organizations increasingly benefit from diverse perspectives and experiences.

Strong leadership teams are built on different viewpoints. Diverse perspectives encourage creativity, challenge conventional thinking, and improve decision-making. Some of the best solutions emerge when individuals with different backgrounds collaborate toward a common goal.

For women considering careers in manufacturing, there has never been a more exciting time to enter the industry.

Opportunities extend far beyond traditional production roles and include engineering, quality, supply chain management, product development, technology, and executive leadership.

My advice is simple: do not underestimate the value of your voice. Your perspective may provide exactly the insight a team needs to solve its next challenge.

Continuous Learning Creates Stronger Leaders

Technical expertise is essential in manufacturing, but leadership requires more than technical competence. It demands adaptability, communication, empathy, and a commitment to continuous growth.

Some of the most significant opportunities in my career came from accepting challenges before I felt completely prepared. Growth often occurs when we step outside our comfort zones and embrace responsibilities that push us to learn.

The most effective leaders remain curious, seek feedback, and invest in developing both themselves and the people around them. They understand that leadership is not a destination but a continuous journey.

Building the Future Through Leadership 

As manufacturing continues to evolve, organizations will need leaders who can connect people, processes, and technology while maintaining a relentless focus on customer value.

New product launches provide a powerful example of what effective leadership can accomplish. They require cross-functional collaboration, trust, accountability, and the ability to navigate uncertainty while maintaining quality and performance.

Every successful launch represents more than a product entering the marketplace. It represents the collective effort of individuals working together to overcome challenges, solve problems, and achieve a shared goal.

That is what continues to inspire me about manufacturing. While technology will undoubtedly shape the future of our industry, it is leadership that will determine how successfully we embrace that future. The organizations that thrive will be those that empower people, foster collaboration, and never stop learning.