Girl Power on the Assembly Line

Rhea-AI Summary

In a press release dated April 4, 2024, International Paper (IP) highlights the historical significance of women in manufacturing, particularly referencing the Lowell Mill Girls who paved the way for women's empowerment. The company aims to increase women's representation in leadership positions, with specific goals outlined under the Thriving People and Communities Vision 2030. Through personal stories of Bri Butchart and Lee Dillon, IP emphasizes the challenges and successes of women in manufacturing leadership roles. The release underscores the importance of diversity in leadership and the positive impact it has on the workforce.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 4, 2024 / In 1813, a businessman named Francis Cabot Lowell formed the Boston Manufacturing Company and built a textile mill next to the Charles River. By 1840, the Industrial Revolution was in full swing, and Lowell's mills employed almost 8,000 workers, with women making up nearly three-quarters of the workforce.

The "Lowell Mill Girls," as they came to be called, were daughters of New England and Canadian farmers, typically between the ages of 15 and 35. Working in mills gave these women their first opportunity in America for independence and a bit of financial freedom. Over time, adult women in manufacturing displaced child labor, and women led the American labor movement for safer work environments and restricted labor hours.

Women in mills today can achieve the highest levels of education and leadership thanks to the Lowell Mill Girls who laid the groundwork centuries ago.

Empowering Women in STEM

Bri Butchart, finished product business unit manager at the Bogalusa Mill, went into manufacturing because it met all three of her requirements for her career: to not be trapped at a desk, to work directly with people and to see the impact of her work in real time. She's far from the only one.

Under the Thriving People and Communities Vision 2030 goal, IP aims to have 30% overall representation of women in all positions and 50% of women in salaried positions. In Bogalusa, 50 percent of the mill's lead team are women, serving in positions that include operations, engineering and EHS. As the Bogalusa mill demonstrates, increasing women representation is possible.

But being a woman in manufacturing leadership isn't completely without its challenges, even in the 21st century. Bri says for one thing, many men have an instinct to be gentlemanly, to volunteer to do tasks for women.

"When I was younger, men were very protective of me, and I appreciated that they saw me as one of their daughters. But papermaking requires experiential learning, and it was important to me that I learn how to complete a task myself," said Bri, who holds a chemical engineering degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

Lee Dillon, engineering manager at Bogalusa, faced challenges managing contractors in her career.

Fear will try to keep you from doing things. It's when you push yourself past the fear that you improve.

"People often assumed I wasn't qualified because they'd never seen a woman in that position," she said. "I overcame that by proving myself. I've always wanted to be the best at everything I did - sports, school, my career. That takes dedicated work and I'm willing to make that effort in order to be successful."

In her role at Bogalusa, Lee has managed some highly complex, multi-million-dollar projects like installing new drives on the #8 Paper Machine and a DCS system in the pulp mill.

Lee, who holds a mechanical engineering degree from Mississippi State University, says she is most proud of these accomplishments because complex electrical projects tend to be outside her comfort zone. "Fear will try to keep you from doing things. It's when you push yourself past the fear that you improve," she said.

The Impact of Excellence

At IP, we believe that more effective solutions can be found when people with diverse backgrounds and experiences bring different perspectives to the table. And diversity in leadership helps improve diversity in our workforce.

"People like to see themselves represented on our leadership teams," said Bri.

It's one reason she has actively worked to bring mill participation to the Women in IP (WIP) Employee Networking Circle. "I made a commitment to provide space for women to participate in the WIP ENC, so they'll know there's a network of people who support them whenever they need it."

All seven of the women on our mill lead team are also mothers. We represent that women can have both a career and a family. We don't have to limit ourselves. We don't have to choose.

Lee added that the women in leadership are role models to the younger women who are beginning their careers. "All seven of the women on our mill lead team are also mothers," she pointed out. "We represent that women can have both a career and a family. We don't have to limit ourselves. We don't have to choose."

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE:IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.

About International Paper - EMEA

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International Paper Company on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: International Paper Company
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/international-paper-company
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: International Paper Company

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is the significance of the Lowell Mill Girls in the context of the press release?

The Lowell Mill Girls are referenced as pioneers who provided women with independence and financial freedom in manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution, laying the groundwork for women's empowerment in the sector.

What are the goals outlined under the Thriving People and Communities Vision 2030 by IP?

IP aims to achieve 30% overall representation of women in all positions and 50% of women in salaried positions, emphasizing the importance of increasing women's presence in leadership roles.

What challenges do women in manufacturing leadership roles face according to the press release?

Women in manufacturing leadership roles face challenges such as assumptions of incompetence, lack of representation, and the need to prove themselves in traditionally male-dominated environments.

How does IP believe diversity in leadership can benefit the workforce?

IP believes that diversity in leadership brings different perspectives to the table, leading to more effective solutions. It also helps improve diversity in the overall workforce.

What initiatives has IP taken to support women in leadership positions?

IP has actively worked to bring mill participation to the Women in IP (WIP) Employee Networking Circle, providing a supportive network for women in leadership roles.