In the case of Hypertherm, those actions include the development of tools to help hiring managers interrupt biases and advocate for diversity when interviewing candidates for open positions, the development of inclusive job posting practices to ensure all groups feel they are welcome at Hypertherm, and the implementation of methods for tracking diversity at each stage of hiring and internal talent development processes.

In addition to the NAM Pledge for Action, Hypertherm President and CEO Evan Smith is joining nearly 2,000 CEOs in signing the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge. By signing on to this commitment, Hypertherm is pledging to cultivate a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected and where employees feel encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion. This includes the work Hypertherm has done on career development for people with disabilities, the creation of an internal Inclusion & Diversity Task Force, and the increased focus on building opportunities for productive conversation about inclusive practices.

The CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion is led by a steering committee of CEOs and leaders from Accenture, BCG, Deloitte US, The Executive Leadership Council, Procter & Gamble, and PwC. In total, the coalition represents 85 industries, all 50 US States, and millions of employees globally.

“Diversity and inclusion are often difficult and sensitive issues to discuss, however, Hypertherm strongly believes we have a responsibility to cultivate an environment that is welcoming to all people no matter their ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, or countless other aspects of individual identity,” said Smith. “We are proud to join forces with other like-minded companies to effect positive change. We know it will not only benefit society, but Hypertherm as well, as we expand the talent, innovation, and creativity of our organization.”

Hypertherm has a strong legacy of community leadership within our industry, as seen in progressive commitments to environmental sustainability and community engagement. As an organization, Hypertherm is dedicated to inspiring and driving significant progress toward equity and inclusion in manufacturing through engagement with other organizations within our industry facing similar challenges, sharing best practices, and holding each other accountable. To learn more about Hypertherm’s work in support of inclusion and diversity, please visit www.hypertherm.com.

Hypertherm engineers and manufactures industrial cutting products used by companies around the world to build ships, airplanes, and railcars, construct steel buildings, manufacture heavy equipment, and more. Its products include cutting systems, CNCs, and software trusted for performance and reliability that result in increased productivity and profitability for hundreds of thousands of businesses. Founded in 1968 and based in New Hampshire, Hypertherm is a 100 percent Associate owned company, employing more than 1,800 Associates, with operations and partner representation worldwide.