100 Leading Women In The North American Auto Industry

Amy Farmer, 50

Plant Manager, Lansing Grand River Assembly, General Motors

Education: B.S., business administration, University of Michigan

First automotive job: Material expeditor at Buick in Flint, Mich., in 1977

Most fun automotive job: "My plant assignments have been the most fun - engine and assembly plants."

Career highlights (all with GM)
  • 1999-2005 Plant manager, Lansing (Mich.) Car Assembly
  • 1997-99 Plant manager, Buick City Assembly, Flint, Mich.
  • 1994-97 Assistant plant manager, Buick City Assembly
  • 1991-94 Director, material/production control, large/luxury car assembly and metal fabrication
  • 1985-91 Administrator, materials management, Flint Automotive Division
  • 1977-85 Various supervisory positions, Buick

Current challenge: "Nurturing a culture that supports GM's Global Manufacturing System takes discipline and hard work. It takes a lot of team effort to support any robust process, but the results are worth it."

On being successful: "Treat people the way you would want to be treated, and pull your weight."

What women need to know for success in the auto industry: "That the automotive industry is really a great environment to demonstrate your skills and work in. You need to come in and believe in yourself, that you are an equal member of the team."

What you do to relax: "Spend time on our boat, water ski, snow ski and spend time with my family."