Nissan - Canton Team Member Reggie Knighten Recognized by the Southern Automotive Conference (SAC) and the Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association (MAMA)

Cheers rang out in the room as Reggie Knighten, Learning Pathways Supervisor at Nissan North America - Canton, was recently recognized as one of four Mississippi finalists for the Stars of Southern Manufacturing Award. The award was presented by Derek Polk, Nissan Director of Paint and Fascia Operations and MAMA Board Member, at a ceremony today at the Nissan plant in Canton, Mississippi.

MAMA serves its members by promoting growth, development, and improvement in the automotive industry in Mississippi, as well as serving as a forum for interaction among automotive manufacturing companies in the state. In extending congratulations to Knighten, MAMA President Kevin Burgess said, “MAMA is proud to recognize the production workers that are so crucial to the automotive manufacturing industry in Mississippi. Reggie’s experience in advanced manufacturing and certification as a master trainer in basic and advanced skills, along with his dedication to superior leadership, teamwork and commitment, have established him as a manufacturing role model.

Stars Awards are given to employees at a Southern Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or Tier I supplier who epitomize excellence in the automotive manufacturing industry. The nominees for the award work on the factory floor, possess exemplary skills that enable the company to meet the demands of modern manufacturing, and enhance the work environment by bringing the best out of colleagues, encouraging collaboration, and reflecting the most desirable values of the company culture. The seventh annual Stars of Southern Manufacturing Awards recognized winners from SAC states including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

According to Gino Perkins, Nissan-Canton Training Manager, in his nomination of Reggie for the award, “Reggie represents the qualities necessary to be a STAR of Southern Manufacturing and a star team member for Nissan - Canton. Reggie ensures critical work-readiness in all direct hires and regional trainers, and is a mentor for our current and future leaders. He truly leads by example! Reggie is a practitioner of manufacturing and continuous improvement. His mentorship goes beyond the walls of the plant, giving back and serving the surrounding community.”

When describing Knighten at the recognition event, Derek Polk, said the following, “Reggie consistently adds value to whatever position he is in. Most recently, he has led the Nissan Direct Hire Training Program. Reggie proactively developed what is considered regionally as the "benchmark" training readiness program. During a recent visit to Canton, the senior vice-president of manufacturing & supply chain management saw first-hand the value of the program and encouraged  other plants to benchmark the program. This program has positively impacted technicians by ensuring they are set up for success. This program has positively impacted technician skills and supervisor morale, ultimately leading to increased productivity. I am honored to work alongside a team member of Reggie’s caliber.”