Two women working for Alle-Kiski Valley companies recently were recognized by a national organization that focuses on supporting women in the manufacturing industry.
Pamela Neale, a senior tool designer for JK Tool Inc. in Upper Burrell, and Paula Burkett, an order entry coordinator for J.V. Manufacturing Co. in Harrison, recently were among a group of women from across the country to be honored with the seventh annual Women of Excellence in Metal Forming & Fabricating Award.
The honor comes from a trio of trade organizations — MetalForming Magazine, the Precision Metalforming Association and Women in Manufacturing Association.
“While women make up only about one-third of the U.S. manufacturing industry workforce, for many companies, they fill a variety of critical roles, from working on the production line to filling a variety of management roles to running their own manufacturing businesses,” said Brad Kuvin of the Precision Metalforming Association and the magazine’s editorial director.
Women comprise about 47% of the U.S. workforce, with 30% employed in manufacturing, according to a profile of the 35 women selected to receive the award this year.
The profile notes that one in four women who work in manufacturing holds management positions and that women in manufacturing also earn, on average, 16% more than the national median annual income for women who are employed.
The award was created to “recognize the vital role women play in our industries and to inspire the next generation to reap the rewards of a manufacturing career,” according to organizers.
Industry officials said a post-pandemic shift away from manual manufacturing jobs to skilled positions in a heavily automated environment could help increase opportunities for women at a time when many companies are having trouble filling positions.
Neale, who has worked in manufacturing for nearly 30 years, thinks boosting opportunities for women is a smart move.
“I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in engineering, but it wasn’t until I was in college that I realized just how few women shared the same interests,” said Neale, 59, of Bethel, Armstrong County.
“Thankfully, that seems to be changing. Women can add a unique perspective and level of detail that greatly enhance manufacturing processes,” she said. “My career in manufacturing has been a rewarding choice.”
Neale said she is honored to be recognized by the industry and encourages young people, especially women, to consider a career in manufacturing.
“Joining a manufacturing team offers so many different career paths, providing practical experience that leads to a lifetime of growth and unlimited opportunity,” she said. “What a great way to make a difference in the world.”
JK Tool’s General Manager Greg Costa said Neale plays a vital role in the company and “is a great role model for young women looking to get into the metal stamping and forming industry.”
“She provides unique design concepts and techniques that help keep JK Tool competitive and respected in the industry,” Costa said. “A very thorough designer, Pam pays extreme attention to detail. … (Her) efforts result in customer satisfaction and continued business support.”
Allison Grealis, president and founder of the Women in Manufacturing Association, said efforts to increase manufacturing opportunities for women while recognizing their skills is important to the three organizations involved in the award program.
“We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s group of honorees,” she said. “We hope that their stories inspire future women to pursue careers in this industry and current women in industry to aspire to great things.”
Burkett was nominated for the award by Melissa Vecchi, who co-owns J.V. Manufacturing with her husband, Ryan.
“Through Paula’s 27 years at JVM she has filled many roles, excelling in each and making the company and her team stronger,” she said.
Burkett has deftly shifted gears to fill the company’s needs by working as an engineering assistant, in shipping and receiving, as a purchasing assistant, a receptionist and now as its order entry coordinator, Vecchi said.
“She works at the intersection of sales, engineering and manufacturing,” she said. “Her role provides the oil in the gears, helping these groups work together and provide each other with the information needed to best ensure success.”
Vecchi said Burkett has played “a pivotal role” when new systems are introduced and continues to provide guidance to others in the company.
“Many employees across the organization lean on her for her knowledge,” Vecchi said.
Burkett said she was not aware that Vecchi nominated her for the award.
“It was definitely a surprise when I got the email announcing it,” she said. “It’s a really good feeling to know that what you’re doing is being noticed and appreciated.”
Burkett, 48, of Washington Township said she has seen the manufacturing industry change from women being limited to mostly clerical positions to filling all types of roles from engineering and building dies to running grinders and presses on the shop floor.
“Women are natural builders and creators,” she said. “A process such as manufacturing offers women the ability to be part of a creative process with tangible results at the end.
“It is very rewarding to be part of a team that brings new things into the world, and I believe that women like myself should take great pride in that,” Burkett said.
Tony LaRussa is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tony by email at tlarussa@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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