Paving the way for women in manufacturing

Manufacturing has long been a male-dominated industry, but the landscape is changing. Women are making significant strides, contributing to innovation, efficiency and diversity in manufacturing. This shift is not just a positive trend; it’s also necessary for the industry's growth and sustainability. A lack of mentorship, however, poses a challenge that WestRock is committed to helping solve.  

WestRock is dedicated to providing valuable training, opportunities, and mentorship for women navigating the manufacturing field. Creating safe and welcoming work environments for all employees is critical to our mission to Innovate Boldly and Package Sustainably™. Here’s a look at the efforts made by WestRock and our partners to foster an inclusive industry. 

The current landscape for women in manufacturing 

Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of women entering the manufacturing industry. According to a report by the Manufacturing Institute, women now make up about 30% of the manufacturing workforce, a significant rise from previous years. This increase has been driven by the industry's efforts to promote diversity, the changing perception of manufacturing jobs, and the growing recognition of the critical role women play in the sector's innovation and competitiveness. 

Despite these positive trends, women still make up a minority of the manufacturing workforce, which can make it difficult to access mentors who can guide them through their careers, provide valuable advice and help them navigate the industry's complexities. 

The importance of mentorship in manufacturing 

Mentorship is crucial for career development in any field, and manufacturing is no exception. Mentorship can be a game changer for women in manufacturing. Mentors often offer insight into the industry's nuances, help their mentees develop professional networks and provide a sense of belonging and community. It provides vital guidance, support and encouragement. It can help build skills and advance careers.  

Mentorship also plays an important role in retaining women in the manufacturing workforce. Studies have shown that employees who have access to mentors are more likely to stay with their employers, feel satisfied with their jobs and progress in their careers. By fostering a culture of mentorship, the manufacturing industry can not only attract more women but also retain them, ensuring a steady pipeline of talented and skilled professionals. 

Leading the way: Women MAKE America 

Recognizing the importance of mentorship, WestRock partner The Manufacturing Institute launched the Women MAKE America program. This initiative aims to address the mentorship gap and support women in manufacturing through various programs and activities. Women MAKE America provides training, networking opportunities and mentorship to women at all stages of their careers. “Through the Women MAKE America program we connect current women of WestRock to development and recognition opportunities,” says Mandy Burnette, Director of Corporate Giving at WestRock. “And in the 2024-25 academic year we’ll leverage their mentorship program at a university where we have a strong recruiting partnership to build connections students can carry forward into their early career journey.” 

The program also highlights the achievements of women in manufacturing, showcasing role models and inspiring the next generation of female leaders. “Meaningful connections and mentorship are an important part of a career journey, especially for emerging workers,” adds Mandy. “Through the Women MAKE 35 x 30 program, the Manufacturing Institute is building a network of female mentors to connect students, early careers talent and emerging leaders with women who can provide perspective, advice and support to help shape their journey. It’s impactful for the women, but also for the industry as the MI and their partners look to add half a million women to the manufacturing workforce by 2030.” 

WestRock's commitment to women in manufacturing 

In addition to our work with The Manufacturing Institute, WestRock also implemented various initiatives to create a strong work environment for women, including our Women + Allies employee resource group, which brings together women across the company for education and recognition. “It is a truly global experience,” says Crystal Claybrooks Jones, Senior Manager of Global Diversity and Inclusion Engagement at WestRock. “This resource group has leadership in North and South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. We’ve consistently gotten feedback about how much women appreciate the opportunities to focus on themselves and their own professional development.” 

WestRock's efforts to support women in manufacturing go beyond simply mentorship. We’re committed to providing opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that women have the resources and support they need to succeed. By fostering an inclusive culture, WestRock is helping to break down the barriers women face and create a more diverse and dynamic manufacturing workforce. 

“WestRock has diverse work offerings for women and developing professionals,” says Brooke Kaskey, Sr. Early Career Development Manager at WestRock. “Whether you want to work in operations in our plants or our mills, or even with our business teams, there are so many opportunities for experience and development. 

“WestRock also partners with organizations, like Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at our Core Universities across the country to increase our reach with women, and we sponsor programs like the 100+ Women Strong program at Auburn University, partnering with them on workshops and outreach to encourage women as early as middle and high school to think about engineering careers. 

“We have women managers and engineers speaking at events in their region to help build relationships and make those connections with students.” 

The way forward 

The future of manufacturing depends on its ability to attract and retain a diverse workforce. Women play a crucial role in this equation, bringing unique perspectives, skills and experiences to the industry. By addressing the mentorship gap and creating supportive environments, the manufacturing sector can empower women to thrive. Together, we can build a brighter future for women in manufacturing. 

WestRock in the News

Liberty Coca-Cola Implements WestRock Solution

Partners like Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages are helping us work toward a more circular economy. The beverage distributor is now the first in the world using a new WestRock solution for multipack bottles in recyclable paperboard carriers. Read more about their implementation of PETCollar® Shield Plus and how it will help them remove approximately 200,000 pounds of plastic rings each year.

Amir Kazmi Shares Tech Insights with The Wall Street Journal

WestRock is using new and emerging technologies to take packaging to the next level, creating a digital thread that runs all the way from raw materials through to recycling. Learn more about smart technologies and the future of packaging from WestRock’s Amir Kazmi in a Q&A with Deloitte for The Wall Street Journal.  

WestRock Ranked Most Innovative Company by Fortune 500

WestRock’s business is built on sustainability and innovation, and maintaining our top category ranking on the 2023 Fortune 500 list is proof that sustainability-driven operations are the way forward for the packaging industry. We’re proud to be ranked by Fortune as we continue to show that prioritizing sustainable environmental practices is good business.

WestRock Partnered with the Paperboard Packaging Council to Turn Cartons into Trees

WestRock continued our partnership with the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) through their outreach and education program, Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees (TICCIT), to teach school-aged children about the importance of trees, highlighting the renewability and sustainability of paper and paperboard packaging. WestRock employees led TICCIT events at 43 schools, introducing young minds to the world of paper and packaging while also highlighting the important role of trees in our industry. More than 200 team members volunteered, reaching nearly 5,500 students across 13 states.