WOMEN IN MANUFACTURING APRIL 2019
Carolyn Lee
systems engineering manager,
Multi-Fan Systems
What does your role entail?
My role is to lead the projects team, which involves
implementing new processes and procedures so that
we can standardise the project delivery method we off er
to our customers across automotive, aerospace, food
processing and general engineering.
There is a big drive to provide turnkey projects that
deliver end-to-end solutions and that takes up a signifi cant
amount of my time, not to mention leading the introduction
of Target Zero – our culture for Zero Harm.
What did route did you take to gain a higher position?
In a nutshell, I changed industries to follow my passion
and interests and that involved switching from the
automotive sector to work with Multi-Fan as its systems
engineering manager.
I am in charge of managing the change and
growth of the team to be able to deliver
higher value, turnkey solutions.
My previous experience in
managing complex projects and
my health and safety expertise
were both key features in my
appointment.
What changes have you witnessed
within the industry throughout
your career?
The focus on health and safety has become the biggest
priority within industry.
These days, you can win or lose a job based purely on
how you intend to deliver the system. Clients want to see
that you can demonstrate you are safe, have the correct
control procedures in place and an imbedded Health and
Safety culture…because if it’s culture, it’s second nature.
What obstacles have you faced as a woman in
manufacturing
One of the prime issues when meeting clients is that they
often address my colleague fi rst, purely due to gender.
This may, in part, be due to the industry being male
dominated so all questions are automatically directed at
them as the ‘expert’.
The best way to combat this is to know your subject
and be able to answer questions as they arise. I’ve found
there’s no need to be pushy with authority, as I don’t feel
it’s a deliberate action.
The easiest way to change this behaviour is for more
women to join our industry so we become the norm and not
the exception.
Maria Myzak
technical manager, Playrite
What does your role entail?
My main responsibility is to provide
quality assurance. This includes the
management of ISO 9001 Quality
Management Systems, investigating and
analysing quality issues arising in production
or after installation, as well as reviewing and updating product
specifi cations and works procedures to ensure continuous
improvement and customer satisfaction.
This involves working with production and engineering
staff , suppliers, customers and external laboratories/
service providers. Other activities include working on trials
and developments and managing two staff to provide the
company’s quality inspection and technical service function.
What route did you take to gain a higher position?
Tenacity, commitment, and self-motivation. I have worked
in manufacturing for 39 years and been with the National
Floorcoverings group for 29.
My career began working for a company that manufactured
reconstituted foam and rubber products for automotive,
furnishings and sports/play applications. Then, at the age of
31, I joined National Floorcoverings, working for the company’s
specialist sports surface division, Playrite and also its carpet
division, Heckmondwike.
Why did you pursue a career in manufacturing and what has
kept you there?
Following a stint working abroad, I secured a shopfl oor
position within manufacturing. This soon progressed and along
with taking on a more responsibility, I was also sponsored
by the company to undertake a BSc degree course in Textile
Technology.
When the company closed down, a customer recommended
me to Heckmondwike – a specialist division of National
Floorcoverings. The job has always been very varied and
interesting, providing a strong sense of purpose and
attachment.
What obstacles have you faced as a woman in manufacturing?
Production and technical roles tend to be heavily maledominated
and unfortunately, I have experienced male
chauvinism during my career.
Women bring a diff erent perspective that creates synergy
and balance in an otherwise male-dominated industry. I
think more women should defi nitely consider manufacturing
as a career.
Although I am the only woman who does engineering in my
team, it has had no eff ect either socially or professionally – I am
treated exactly the same. All you need to do is work hard and
you’ll be accepted.
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