Herbalife: Joseph Plunkett, P.E., has been named a 2016 Manufacturing Leadership Award recipient

Plunkett, who joined Herbalife in 1998, received the "Visionary Leadership" award for his leading role in helping Herbalife develop, implement, and manage a strategy of self-manufacturing at Herbalife.

As a result of investing more than $250 million during the past six years, the company now self-manufactures nearly 70 percent of all its nutrition products. As part of that investment, Herbalife commenced production of its $130 million, 800,000 square foot Herbalife Innovation and Manufacturing facility in 2015 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The facility includes a research and development laboratory. In Lake Forest, California, Herbalife maintains a 133,00 square foot Innovation and Manufacturing facility, which includes a quality control laboratory. Both facilities are certified by NSF International and comply with current Good Manufacturing Practices, and the quality laboratories at both facilities are ISO17025 certified and accredited.

"I am honored, on behalf of the Herbalife manufacturing and engineering team, to receive this prestigious industry award," said Joseph Plunkett, P.E., senior vice president of worldwide manufacturing and engineering, Herbalife. "At Herbalife, we pride ourselves in making the necessary investments to create a competitive advantage in the manufacturing of regulated nutrition products such as dietary supplements, foods and acidified foods."

Now in its 12^th year, the ML Awards honor organizations and individuals that are shaping the future of global manufacturing. Nominations are entered into 13 categories, evaluated and scored by a panel of expert judges. Twelve of the ML Awards categories are for outstanding projects by a manufacturing company.

"Winners of the 2016 ML Awards have proven that they are at the forefront of a global, technology-driven transformation that we call Manufacturing 4.0," said Global Vice President and Editorial Director of the Manufacturing Leadership Council David R. Brousell. "By relentlessly improving and digitizing every corner of their operations, these outstanding leaders are not only delivering greater value to customers, they are redefining excellence in the manufacturing industry. We congratulate them."

The 73 organizations on the list of ML Award winners include small and large enterprises representing a wide range of manufacturing markets. They all leverage best-in-class processes, technologies and engage teams to distinguish themselves from their competitors.

About Herbalife:

Herbalife is a global nutrition company that has been changing people's lives with great products since 1980. Our nutrition, weight-management, energy and fitness and personal care products are available exclusively to and through dedicated Independent Herbalife Members in more than 90 countries. We are committed to fighting the worldwide problems of poor nutrition and obesity by offering high-quality products, one-on-one coaching with an Herbalife member and a community that inspires customers to live a healthy, active life.

We support the Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF) and its Casa Herbalife programs to help bring good nutrition to children in need. We also sponsor more than 190 world-class athletes, teams and events around the globe, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the LA Galaxy and champions in many other sports.

About The Manufacturing Leadership Awards

The Manufacturing Leadership Awards, now in their 12th year, honor manufacturing companies and individual manufacturing leaders that are shaping the future of global manufacturing. Winning projects and individual manufacturing leaders have demonstrated achievement in one of a wide range of categories, and are chosen by a panel of expert judges for results that enabled the manufacturers to set themselves apart from their competitors and that have delivered clear and compelling value, return on investment, and other tangible outcomes. There are several winners in each category.

In addition to selecting winners in each awards category, the judges select one High Achiever in each category, as well as a 2016 Manufacturer of the Year for small and large enterprises.