Penn Color, Inc.’s Post

Throughout #WomensHistoryMonth, Vitro continues to salute its female leaders whose work advances the glass industry and creates a path for future generations of female innovators. Today, we highlight Laura Gibson, Quality Manager. What is your role or area of focus/expertise at Vitro? I am the Quality Manager at our Wichita Falls, Texas, Plant. My team oversees the glass quality inspection process to ensure all glass produced in Wichita Falls meets the requirements and exceeds customer expectations. What do you most enjoy about your career in glass and working at Vitro? Without a doubt, I most enjoy working alongside my amazing colleagues, not only in Texas but throughout the Vitro organization. Whether we are working to improve an existing process at the plant, troubleshooting a customer issue with sales and tech services, or seeing new innovative products developed by research & development, there is always opportunity to grow and contribute. Do you feel that being a woman in the glass industry gives you a unique perspective? I believe everyone brings a unique perspective in life. Being a woman certainly plays a role in how I approach challenges and is a strength in the glass industry. Manufacturing has historically been male dominated; however, I have seen the number of women in leadership roles grow substantially in my 16 years with Vitro, which is very encouraging. Based on your career experiences, what advice would you give young women entering the glass industry? My advice is to find what you are passionate about and never stop learning. Know your strengths, be confident, find your voice, use it to influence others, and seek out mentors who can guide you along your journey. Vitro is an amazing place to build a career and make life-long connections. Please reach out if I can help anyone because my door is always open!

Chemistry vs expertise: what’s more important in a team? According to this article, it’s “the vibe is that drives team success. Always.” For the most part, I’d agree with that HOWEVER... ...in the #AutomotiveIndustry, for many roles, technical knowledge is essential. Manufacturing processes, design, materials science, programming, mechanical and electronic engineering are all disciplines that require deep knowledge. Beyond that, for sure, it’s the human connection and a willingness to actively participate in the growth and success of the team that drive change. We’ve had some challenges over the last 18 months. Much of our success in transforming the business has been down to the trust, mutual respect, collaboration and collective effort outlined here as defining ‘good chemistry.’ That chemistry doesn’t happen just because the ‘right’ people are in the same room (virtual or otherwise). It develops over time as the different elements/people bind, blend and grow. As a leader, it’s exciting to influence that process, guided not always by what is on resumes but sometimes by a gut feeling about: 🎇 Who will be a catalyst to spark ideas? 🎇 Who will be a stabilizer to ground us? 🎇 Who could be a binding agent to connect ideas? The article ends with a suggestion to hire based on chemistry which will result in a redesign of the interview process. Of course, we can always improve but Henkel already does a great job of spotting talent and potential, in part because we place a lot of emphasis on doing what is suggested here: actively searching for people who align with our #culture. At Henkel, we all share a passion for chemistry, and I'm always looking at new ways our team can achieve even greater success so I enjoyed reading this – it definitely sparked some ideas! How important do you think team chemistry is? Is it more important than expertise? #TalentManagement #ChangeManagement #BusinessTransformation #Leadership https://ow.ly/WMRX50RTU3V

Picture this: You're a talented professional in the plastics industry, eager to take your career to the next level. You've put in the hours, honed your skills, and delivered outstanding results. But somehow, that next big opportunity seems just out of reach. Sound familiar? You're not alone. Many plastics professionals struggle to navigate the path to leadership positions. They may feel stuck in their current roles, unsure of how to showcase their value and potential. But here's the good news: With the right strategies and mindset, you can break through those barriers and achieve the career growth you deserve. One key is to think beyond your technical expertise. While your plastics knowledge is crucial, it's not the only factor in advancement. Leadership roles require a broader skill set, including communication, strategic thinking, and people management. Start seeking out opportunities to develop these skills, whether through formal training, mentorship, or stretch assignments. Another important step is to build your personal brand. Don't wait for others to recognize your contributions; make sure they're visible and valued. Speak up in meetings, volunteer for high-profile projects, and share your successes with key stakeholders. By establishing yourself as a go-to expert and problem-solver, you'll be top of mind when new opportunities arise. Networking is also essential. Build relationships with leaders and influencers both within and outside your company. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and seek out informational interviews. The more people who know your name and value your expertise, the more doors will open for you. Finally, don't be afraid to take risks. Pursuing growth often means stepping outside your comfort zone, whether that's taking on a stretch assignment, changing departments, or even switching companies. Embrace these challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and prove your adaptability. Remember, your career path is unique. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to success in the plastics industry. But by developing your skills, building your brand, expanding your network, and seizing new opportunities, you can chart a course to the leadership roles you aspire to. It won't always be easy, but with perseverance and strategy, you can make it happen. What's the best career advice you've received in the plastics industry? Share your wisdom in the comments below. #PlasticsIndustry #Sustainability #SmartMaterials #3DPrinting #Innovation #FutureTrends

🌟 Discover Opportunities in Plastics Recruitment 🌟 The plastics industry is a dynamic field brimming with opportunities for professionals at all levels. From shop-floor roles to senior executive positions, there's a place for everyone. Today, let's explore the diverse roles available and how you can carve out a successful career in this sector. For those starting out, shop-floor positions offer a fantastic entry point. These roles provide hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the manufacturing process. As you gain experience, you can move into supervisory or managerial positions, overseeing teams and ensuring production efficiency. The key here is to be proactive and continuously seek learning opportunities. Mid-level roles often involve specialised skills such as quality control, process engineering, or supply chain management. These positions require a blend of technical knowledge and strategic thinking. If you have a knack for problem-solving and a passion for innovation, these roles can be incredibly rewarding. At the senior and executive level, leadership and vision are paramount. These roles involve setting strategic direction, driving growth, and navigating industry challenges. It's about making impactful decisions that shape the future of the company. If you aspire to these heights, focus on building a robust network and honing your leadership skills. Interested in exploring these opportunities further? Visit www.5srecruitment.com or drop a comment below. Let's get the conversation started! #PlasticsIndustry #CareerOpportunities #Recruitment

R And D

Discover the impactful world of manufacturing in the USA! Our industry is a major economic driver, generating a whopping $104 billion in revenue as of 2023. Producing an impressive 10 million units annually, manufacturing is a cornerstone of innovation and production. #ManufacturingInsights #USAEconomy #IndustryFacts #ProfessionalDevelopment #staffing #hiring #engineering #staffingsolutions #careerdevelopment #careers #careergoals

Discover the impactful world of manufacturing in the USA! Our industry is a major economic driver, generating a whopping $104 billion in revenue as of 2023. Producing an impressive 10 million units annually, manufacturing is a cornerstone of innovation and production. #ManufacturingInsights #USAEconomy #IndustryFacts #ProfessionalDevelopment #staffing #hiring #engineering #staffingsolutions #careerdevelopment #careers #careergoals

Look ma! My statement made a headline ✨ Check out this article by Silicon Republic in which I got to share my thoughts on Henkel's CHAiNGERS program and provided a glimpse of my work as part of the company. Oh, there's a note on my love for supply chain management too 😁 and the quest to work in a role that makes one love what they do. You can have a quick read here 😋 - https://lnkd.in/g4kQaVBk Thanks to Sandra Wade, Tracy Mitchley and Conor Mulligan for the feature! #supplychainmanagement #graduateprogram #projectmanagement #henkel

Embrace the spirit of innovation and avoid playing it safe in the #manufacturing business. Create possibilities for greatness, setting the stage for a future of excellence and progress. #ProfessionalDevelopment #staffing #hiring #engineering #staffingsolutions #careerdevelopment #careers #careergoals

Great workforces in Litho-lamination. It's a shame to see what's happening in Chicago these days. A legendary workforce is being downsized. Sabert Chicago (formerly) LBP is reducing its workforce because a group that formerly (in part) were with the LBP team have shifted a sizeable share of clamshells to their new venture. To be clear business is business and this group of leaders have every right to get back into the game and grab what they can. That said I want to be clear in my defense of the workforce at Sabert Chicago. This TEAM is without question the leader in lightweight litho-Lamination and has been since 2005. They invented, then perfected the making of high quality litho-lamination sheets and the downstream converting process. Salespeople get business by manipulation and sales acumen, but GREAT workforces drive the success of operations. If McDonalds may have been told that there is no difference to the sheets and quality will be the same, I am here to tell you that dog simply does not hunt. The work force that currently reins as the leaders in Litho-Lamination have a tenure average of 15 years. They are the BEST OF THE BEST I know I put them there. My message to McDonalds is clear beware of silky sales pitches and High Price dinners these sales guys didn't make it happen the LBP/Sabert workforce did. Next up does that lightweight coffee sleeve with the special sauce really work or is it all smoke and mirrors? Stay tuned Sabert Stay Strong 😎