For Immediate Release
August 19, 2025
Cranston, RI — Taco is proud to announce that Cheryl Merchant, CEO of Taco Family of Companies, has been named as one of 12 outstanding leaders who make up the 2025 class of Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Hall of Fame inductees.
The Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame was established in 2019 by the Women in Manufacturing Association to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the manufacturing industry while supporting, promoting, and inspiring other women in the field.
“As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Women in Manufacturing, we’re proud to announce the 2025 class of Hall of Fame inductees,” said Allison Grealis, WiM President and Founder. “The outstanding women in this year’s class have not only advanced excellence in manufacturing but have also paved the way for future generations through their leadership and dedication to building more inclusive workplaces. Their impact exemplifies the very mission WiM has championed for the past 15 years.”
Inductees were nominated by colleagues and industry peers, and selected by a judging panel of WiM Executive Committee Board Members, based on their exceptional contributions to the advancement of women in manufacturing.
“This recognition is truly an honor,” said Merchant. “Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to empowering women in manufacturing, not only to excel in their roles but to lead the way in shaping our industry’s future. At Taco, we believe that diversity of thought, experience, and perspective drives innovation, and I am proud to share this honor with so many inspiring women.”
“Cheryl’s leadership has been transformative for Taco and the broader manufacturing community,” said John Hazen White, Jr., Chairman, Taco Family of Companies. “She leads with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others. This recognition from Women in Manufacturing is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her dedication to creating opportunities for women and fostering a stronger, more inclusive industry.”
Merchant, along with the rest of the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees, will be officially recognized during the 15th annual WiM SUMMIT conference, taking place October 12–14 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.
For more information about the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame and WiM SUMMIT 2025, visit the WiM website.
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About Taco
Founded in 1920, Taco is a global leader in hydronic and water-driven solutions, specializing in providing innovative, sustainable, and high-performance products for the HVAC, plumbing, and industrial sectors. With a legacy of over 100 years, Taco serves markets including residential, commercial, agriculture, mining, and more, offering a comprehensive range of products like pumps, valves, tanks, heat exchangers, and advanced controls. Taco is recognized for its unwavering commitment to customer success, providing expert guidance, training, and unmatched support through every engagement. Headquartered in Cranston, RI, with operations across North America, Europe, and Asia, Taco delivers industry-leading products and solutions backed by a culture of collaboration, reliability, and integrity.
About Women in Manufacturing
The Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) is a global trade association dedicated to supporting, promoting, and inspiring women who have chosen a career in the manufacturing industry. WiM provides year-round support to more than 33,000 individual members representing over 3,000 manufacturing companies from 50 U.S. states and 75 countries. WiM encompasses manufacturers of all types and welcomes individuals from every job function—from production to the C-suite. Membership is open to anyone working within or with the manufacturing sector.
Contact:
John Vastyan, Common Ground
717/664-0535; JohnV@SeekCG.com
Or
Ken Scannell, Taco, Inc.
401/275-5465; kscannell@tacoinc.com
