Ahead of International Women’s Day, we spoke to several women about their experiences working in the glass industry and how to encourage more women to pursue careers in the sector.
**This is an abridged version of an article which will appear in full in a forthcoming issue.**
O-I
Stephanie Calder went from hairdressing to food production before discovering the glass industry.
Now an Assistant Operator at O-I Alloa, she is responsible for ten different glass forming machines.
As the only woman in the hot end at the plant, she advocates for more hands-on career events to attract women to the field.
“Demonstrating the actual work and equipment, rather than leaving it shrouded in mystery, would help dispel the notion that everything is heavy, oily, and hot.”
- Stephanie Calder, Assistant Operator at O-I Alloa
GCA
As a Glass Production Manager, Beyza Kurşunlu’s areas of responsibility include furnace operations, raw materials, and refractories.
She played a key role in commissioning GCA’s second factory in Kütahya, Türkiye, in 2021.
She believes mentorship and training programmes could encourage more women to join the industry.
“The glass industry is an excellent environment for women who excel at balancing multiple roles and challenges. While the industry has its difficulties, as in any field, there is no reason you cannot succeed here.”
- Beyza Kurşunlu, Glass Production Manager at GCA.
Vidrala
Estela Alejandro started as a researcher before using her expertise to improve glass production processes.
As a Glass and Melting Processes Manager, her department serves nine facilities and 21 furnaces.
When she first joined Vidrala 23 years ago, she was the only woman at the company to hold a technical management position.
While she has witnessed progress over the years, she says the number of women in technical roles remains low compared to the available talent in the market.
“Industrial processes don’t care about gender nor race nor place of origin; they just need knowledge, experience and skills to improve and advance. Women are already part of this - there is no other way, the industry cannot afford to lose talent.”
- Estela Alejandro, Glass and Melting Processes Manager at Vidrala.
Ocean Glass
Jariya Sangchaiya was the first woman at Thai Glass Industries (TGI) to manage a container glass factory in the company’s 60-year history.
Now Managing Director at Ocean Glass, she oversees multiple departments and navigates global competition in the tableware market.
She says she has started to see more women in engineering and technical roles.
“Technologies and working conditions in the glass industry have improved. I see no barriers to women working in this field. Many roles don't require physical strength, but instead demand technical skills and expertise.”
- Jariya Sangchaiya, Managing Director at Ocean Glass.
DSF Refractories and Minerals
Sarah Wells entered the glass industry through an export role and has spent 20 years at DSF, recently being promoted to Key Account Executive at the company.
Her primary responsibility is to support current business and naturally grow business within her area, as well organising DSF's exhibitions and conferences.
She has seen increasing numbers of women in sales and technical positions, but stresses the need for more industry outreach in schools.
“It is not the perceived man’s world and there’s a great deal to enjoy as a career. I would suggest starting out by getting involved with one of the many glass industry conferences around the world. Talk to women working in the industry and make contacts.”
- Sarah Wells, Key Account Executive at DSF.
Corning
Sinue Gomez, Director of Surface Science and Technology at Corning, has dedicated 19 years to advancing glass research and development.
The highlight of her career was being part of the team that developed the pharmaceutical packaging to carry Covid-19 vaccines.
She believes the industry must do more to retain women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) roles.
“We must show girls from an early age that there are many opportunities when working in the glass industry by using tangible and practical examples. It’s critical to show them that there are many interesting jobs and career opportunities where scientists and engineers of all kinds are needed.”
- Sinue Gomez, Director of Surface Science and Technology at Corning.
