The Tremendous Impact of Women in Manufacturing

As it's National Women's Month, we thought it would be a great time to take a deeper dive into the topic of women's contributions to the manufacturing industry. The 2020 US Census reported that women comprise 47% of the workforce, reinforcing our current workplace reality that the days of Ozie and Harriet are all but a memory. While the US workforce is nearly a 50/50 split between men and women, various industries, including manufacturing, look very different. For example, 70% of those that work in manufacturing are male and 30% female. While the divide may appear disproportionate, women working in the manufacturing industry increased by 5% over the last census. This trend may be related to the focus in schools, beginning at the grade school level, with a more intentional focus on STEM learning. Both girls and boys are exposed early to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. 

The focus and emphasis on STEM learning from an early age are allowing the US to tap into the best and brightest minds regardless. In STEM classes, clubs, and competitions, there is a surprisingly high rate of equal representation between male and female students, exercising and expounding upon their competencies related to problem-solving and engineering.

As women of all ages continue to take on new and exciting roles in manufacturing, those gender-balancing effects are starting to show even at the top. More and more manufacturing companies have a growing number of females in upper management, leadership, and ownership roles. This gender-equalizing trend has led to some exciting and very profitable changes for manufacturing companies nationwide. For example, female engineers in plastic thermoforming are creating and implementing new product designs that are filling consumer needs like never before. Their determination, innovation, and passion are helping to set new standards in the plastics and packaging arena.  

Women's contributions in areas such as Quality Control and Process Improvement are notable in saving manufacturing run costs and improving quality throughput. With a sharp eye for detail and intuitive problem-solving skills, women in manufacturing have resulted in higher standards of product production. As women continue to contribute their talents to thermoforming manufacturing, they are also leading the way to reach out to and teach the next generation of workers still in school. From female line workers to women in engineering, there are intentional and concerted efforts and programs to engage, educate,  and support young women in school who are interested in STEM-related careers at any level.  

The benefits of an ever-growing female thermoforming workforce include great pride, tremendous innovation, and significant, positive contributions to the manufacturing industry overall. As gender-related stereotypes continue to fall by the wayside, the growing number of women employed in the manufacturing industry is a trend worth watching as women continue to make their mark. Numerous studies have shown that in side-by-side comparisons to their male counterparts, female workers can be up to 30% more productive. The advancement of women in manufacturing is a pillar of strength at Tek Pak, Inc., an equal-opportunity employer. Tek Pak strongly encourages qualified women and men to apply for all open positions. Tek Pak also provides insightful and innovative paid Apprenticeship Program opportunities, inviting all candidates to participate and grow as individuals and professionals in the manufacturing space. Please visit our website for more information on the Tek Pak Apprenticeship Program.