ANCA Announces Recipient of the 2024 Female Machinist Award

Stephanie Chrystal, geometric grinding specialist at the Sandvik Coromant Westminster Solid Round Tools Production Unit, is named this year’s winner of the ANCA Female Machinist Award. ANCA says the award celebrates outstanding female machinists’ achievements in the tool and cutter grinding industry, recognizing those who are passionate about their work, dedicated to excellence and committed to advancing the field.

According to ANCA, Chrystal’s journey in the industry has been marked by her innovative problem-solving skills, her commitment to advancing her team and her role in introducing solid round tools to Sandvik Coromant’s Westminster, South Carolina, site. After joining Sandvik Coromant through its acquisition of Precorp, Chrystal has played an instrumental role in building and training a highly skilled team. Her efforts have led to an increase in trained staff, growing from three operators in 2022 to nine in 2024. The company says that, under Chrystal’s guidance, the team not only has met production expectations but has also consistently broken production records month after month.

The ANCA Female Machinist Award is judged by a panel of experienced professionals who evaluate candidates on their problem-solving skills, tool design capabilities and ability to think critically and find innovative solutions. Chrystal’s achievements, including her role in overcoming production challenges and her contributions to training and team development, exemplify the excellence this award seeks to recognize.

“Stephanie’s dedication, critical thinking and innovative approach are a testament to the talent and drive that women bring to the tool and cutter grinding industry,” says Veronica Messersmith, president of the Americas for Sandvik Coromant. “We are incredibly proud of her achievements and look forward to seeing her continue to lead and inspire within our industry.”