International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe. The first IWD gathering was in 1911 and supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, German and Switzerland; today it is celebrated globally and gives us the opportunity to showcase some of those women who play vital roles within our company.
This year’s theme is #BalanceforBetter which couldn’t be a more pertinent topic for an engineering company like ourselves. The Engineering industry as a whole struggles to recruit women with an alarmingly low percentage of engineers being Women (around 11%). This is something the industry needs to address by supporting various initiatives such as STEM and encouraging the younger generations to become excited about engineering.
Integral Powertrain employs a number of Women across its business, each playing a key part in engineering products, managing projects, overhauling quality and manufacturing processes and supporting business operations. One is even a STEM Ambassador.
Jacquelyn Gray: Design Engineer, and STEM Ambassador says:
“I wanted to develop my breadth and depth of knowledge of electric and hybrid products for motorsport and commercial vehicles. During my time at Integral Powertrain I have been lucky enough to work as part of the cross functional design team responsible for delivering the high power inverter which powered the Volkswagen ID.R and broke world records in the process”
The women in our business:
- Create concept designs for e-Drive products.
- Manage and deliver customer projects from concept to completion and beyond.
- Transform the Quality Management System, helping us to maintain ISO 9001:2015 accreditation.
- Develop manufacturing processes and playing a pivotal role in setting up our brand-new Manufacturing Facility to enable to us to manufacture in higher volumes.
- Design and develop the electronics which power and control our motors.
- Purchase materials for prototyping and manufacturing, buying all sorts of goods and services for the wider business.
- Plan project deadlines including multiple build schedules, preparing complex Bills of Materials, managing customer expectations and maintaining a high level of supply.
- Manage the stores team, ensuring that all build kits are put together ready to be assembled, supplying the business with materials, parts and everything else needed to run a busy company.
- Manage accounts – sales and purchase ledger and credit control. Ensuring everyone is paid!
- HR – Manage employee relations, providing an inclusive, safe and fun working environment for all.
- Our PA’s and Reception staff are among the most important people in the company, when you call or visit us they provide fantastic first impressions of our company and tirelessly support a variety of business functions such as arranging events.
Balance drives a better working world – Let’s all help create a #BalanceforBetter.
Alex Sye: Design Engineer says:
“I recognized that the automotive industry is undergoing significant changes and I wanted to be involved in pioneering new technologies to meet tomorrow’s requirements. I enjoy working with a team of motivated and dedicated people, to develop new technologies to change how vehicles are powered.”
