Women in Manufacturing

Women constitute one of United States manufacturing’s largest pools of untapped talent. Women totaled about 47% of the U.S. labor force in 2016, but only 29-percent of the manufacturing workforce. Women earn more than half of all associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Women are also advancing in their careers, holding more than half of all U.S. managerial and professional positions. So if there are plenty of qualified women in the workforce, why aren’t they in manufacturing?

Research shows that gender diversity benefits a manufacturing organization through improved ability to innovate, higher return on equity, and increased profitability. When employees believe that their organization is committed to inclusion, they report better business performance in terms of their ability to innovate. Organizations can also unleash the full potential of their female workforces by creating a culture where unique strengths thrive.

Given that women are underrepresented in manufacturing and the argument to increase the industry’s fair share of female talent is persuasive, one thing is certain: Manufacturing companies likely need a different approach to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in the workplace. Women in Manufacturing™ is a national association made up of more than 700-members dedicated to supporting, promoting, and inspiring women pursuing or currently part of the manufacturing industry. Members benefit in many ways, including: exclusive access to regional and national programming, networking opportunities, mentoring and sponsoring programs, professional development webinars, and so much more. This group encourages the engagement of women who want to share perspectives, gain cutting-edge manufacturing information, improve leadership and communication skills, participate in sponsoring programs and network with industry peers.

March is Women’s History Month, a time when we recognize the great contributions that women have made to our nation…and continue to make. According to the United States Census Bureau, women account for nearly one-third of the countries manufacturing industry workforce. From working on production lines to running their own manufacturing businesses, women play a number of vital roles in the world of manufacturing today.

For over 150-years, Fletcher Industries has provided top service and full technical support for every project taken on. For more information, please visit our website or call (910) 692-7133.

Sources:

http://www.womeninmanufacturing.org/home

https://census.gov/newsroom/blogs/random-samplings/2017/10/women-manufacturing.html

https://www.sunysuffolk.edu/news/womenMnfgsummit.jsp

Women in Manufacturing

American manufacturer for over 170 years.

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