Sarah Messa, plant manager of USG Corp.’s Detroit facility in River Rouge, is a recipient of the Manufacturing Institute’s 2025 Women MAKE Award. Messa was recognized at a recent ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The institute honored Messa for her “exemplary leadership, ongoing efforts to cultivate the next generation of female talent in manufacturing careers, and contributions to USG and her community.”
Among her key achievements is leading the local implementation of Project Home, USG’s large-scale initiative to modernize its North American manufacturing locations. At the nearly century-old River Rouge facility, Project Home improved operational efficiency and workplace comfort. She has also strengthened the facility’s community engagement efforts, spearheading volunteer programs and philanthropic initiatives to build lasting connections with local organizations in River Rouge and the Downriver Community as well as in Macomb and Oakland Counties.
“Sarah is an inspiring leader who fosters a culture of collaboration, excellence, and upskilling that brings out the best in our team,” says Bill St. Leger, vice president of manufacturing – surfaces at USG. “Her leadership and her unwavering commitment to safety will continue to have a lasting impact on our operations, our employees, and the broader community.”
Messa began her career with USG in 2002 as an electrician and ascended the ranks, affording her an understanding of manufacturing within a plant setting and across the entire supply chain. She now oversees a more than 100-person team and manages the production of multiple products, including USG Durock cement board. USG Detroit a is seven-time recipient of the Top Workplaces in Michigan Award, most recently in 2024.
Previously, Sarah served as production manager at USG’s Westlake, Ohio facility, one of the company’s largest producers of ceilings tiles.
