Three Women, Three Professionals, Three Vital Perspectives

Hearing diverse perspectives across the manufacturing industry matter, and here at Manufacturing Digital we always strive to provide a strong platform. 

This is especially true for chronically underrepresented groups like women, who can speak to the realities and opportunities of the industry. 

Which is why today, we're showcasing the perspectives of three professional women in the manufacturing sector. 

Working across engineering, technology and operations, say hello to: 

• Madalina Irina, Operations Support Manager 
• Natalia Duda, UK Integrated Management Systems Lead
• Amy Anderson-Beecham, maintenance manager

All three women work at Masonite UK, with their reflections about their career journeys and answers on the big issues facing manufacturing below.

How did you enter the manufacturing industry?​​​​​​​

Amy Anderson-Beecham

I have always been fascinated by how things work, fixing things, and problem-solving, which naturally led me to a career in Engineering and Manufacturing

At the time, there were limited hands-on apprenticeship opportunities, so I pursued a university degree instead. Reflecting on my career, my university placement at a steel melting shop in Sheffield was a crucial stepping stone.

As one of the few women in a shop floor role and the only female engineer in the department, I encountered some verbal abuse from a few contractors. However, the camaraderie within the industry and the support from my colleagues were invaluable in helping me persevere. One of the ongoing challenges of being a woman in manufacturing has been the lack of adequate changing and welfare facilities for women in hands-on shop floor roles, an issue I hadn't anticipated.

I became an Engineering Manager in the plastics industry before the age of 30, which remains my greatest professional achievement. 

Later, I returned to the steel industry and continued in high-level engineering management and leadership roles. After having children, I gained a full appreciation for the importance of work-life balance—something I didn’t have in my earlier positions. This realisation led me to seek new opportunities, ultimately bringing me to Masonite.

At Masonite, I’ve been able to focus on my career while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Being a woman, a mother, and an engineer has equally shaped who I am as a person and a leader, helping me navigate challenges and earn respect for my skills. One of the most rewarding aspects of my professional life is when employees and colleagues come to me for personal advice, trusting in the support I provide.

Madalina-Irina Lupu

My career began in recruitment after I relocated from Romania to the UK in 2017. Working on-site for Masonite in Barnsley and recruiting temporary workers gave me valuable insights into manufacturing, which inspired me to apply for a production support role. I then advanced through various positions within the company, and at the beginning of this year, I secured my current role as Operations Support Manager.

My journey has been character-building, especially as an immigrant relocating on my own. Developing the right attitude, along with hard work and perseverance, was crucial in rebuilding my career in a foreign country and navigating a male-dominated environment.

Natalia Duda

 I’ve always been persistent in my career. After relocating from Poland, I knocked on many doors before landing the job I wanted as a technician specialising in Business Management Systems. My role now involves maintaining ISO standards and ensuring compliance with health & safety and quality regulations as well as sustainable forestry schemes. When you’re determined to achieve something, it doesn’t matter whether you’re male or female. I’ve always believed that with the right attitude you can break down societal barriers. 

2. Why are there so few women in senior/frontline roles?

Amy

I think women are underrepresented in manufacturing because the sector has historically been viewed as a “man’s world” by both men and women. I also believe the lack of women in senior roles is partly due to work-life balance challenges, especially for those who want to start a family. There’s a common but incorrect assumption that it’s not possible to be both an active parent and hold a senior position. 

Heavy industries, like the steelworks where I began my career, have always been male-dominated, making it challenging for new female joiners. This also limits the number of role models and support systems available to women looking to advance. I feel fortunate to have had supportive colleagues, but sometimes you have to be your own role model to break the cycle.

The Masonite Academy is helping change this. I’m proud to train young apprentices and mentor women entering the field through our program and national STEM initiatives.

Madalina-Irina Lupu

Historically, women have been steered toward service industries rather than manufacturing, due to factors like the physical demands of the work and the male-dominated environments. However, we now live in a more inclusive society that encourages both women and men to pursue their aspirations, regardless of past societal expectations. As a result, I believe female representation in manufacturing will improve significantly in the coming decade.

Natalia

The underrepresentation of women in manufacturing can also be attributed to a lack of awareness of the range of opportunities available in the industry. With a more stable economy and a potential industry hiring push on the horizon, we have a real opportunity to encourage more women to enter the space and diversify our workforce. 

3. How do we get more women into manufacturing? What is the biggest hurdle we face?

Amy

We need to start by raising awareness of the opportunities in manufacturing for young women. Encouraging more girls to pursue STEM subjects in later education is a key step, which would be supported by an education system that promotes greater involvement from the private sector. Partnerships like the one between Masonite Academy and Barnsley College and Nottingham College unlock the best of vocational learning and provide tangible career opportunities for all genders, but especially for women.

Collaborating with national STEM initiatives and participating in STEM events will continue to break down barriers for women in manufacturing.

Madalina-Irina Lupu

We can attract more women to the sector by showcasing the variety of roles available and emphasising that these jobs are accessible to everyone, regardless of gender. My journey to a career in manufacturing came via recruitment - there are many different career paths you can take!  

4. Why is it important that we get more women into manufacturing? What does the sector have to lose and gain?

Amy

It’s so important to get more women into manufacturing because it opens the door to greater diversity of thought which in turn will drive innovation and improve problem-solving. Right now, we’re limiting the potential of the industry by not fully tapping into the talents and perspectives that women bring to the table.

Madalina-Irina Lupu

There is a current skills shortage in manufacturing and construction sectors, with the latest numbers showing a quarter million additional workers are required over the next five years.

To address this challenge, it's crucial to focus on women as a key part of the solution. There is immense untapped potential among women, and failing to engage this talent pool could significantly hinder the industry's ability to meet the growing demand. By actively encouraging and supporting women to fill these roles, we can drive the industry forward and ensure sustainable growth.

Natalia

In an industry facing significant skills shortages, it’s crucial to attract talent from all demographics. Failing to engage women means missing out on a valuable segment of the labour force that could help close the skills gap and drive future growth. Beyond the practical benefits, promoting gender diversity in manufacturing also sends a powerful message about inclusivity and equality, helping to modernise the industry’s image and attract the next generation of workers. 

5. What impact are new technologies like AI, automation, and robotics having on the gender dynamics of the manufacturing industry?

Amy Anderson-Beecham

Technology in manufacturing is constantly evolving through innovations such as automation, robotics, and AI. These advancements have a broader appeal and can attract more women to the field, as they present fewer perceived barriers. I believe these developments will help break down stereotypes and raise awareness about STEM subjects, demonstrating that a career in manufacturing is an accessible and viable path for everyone.

Madalina-Irina Lupu

Manufacturing jobs are often unfairly seen as purely physical tasks. However, with the implementation of AI technologies, there is a growing need for soft skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. This shift makes the sector a more attractive option for both men and women.

Natalia Duda

Digital transformation is changing the landscape of manufacturing by creating new roles that require analytical and technical skills, roles that are likely to attract a more diverse workforce. Additionally, the emphasis on these new skills contributes to a more diverse leadership background, fostering an environment where gender diversity can continue to thrive.

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