RENEE WIERENGA OPERATIONS

Manager

Tell us about your background and how you got into the packaging industry. I started my career in the automotive industry with experience in human resources and procurement. The transition from automotive to packaging was the best decision I have ever made. The packaging industry is so diverse and always evolving. There are so many innovative companies that are always trying to come up with the latest and greatest ways to truly make an impact for their customers.

What are some of the challenges that you have faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry?

I look at gender as more of an opportunity rather than a challenge, to educate and prove that everyone has a place in the manufacturing industry. One challenge I have faced as a woman is feeling intimidated as the only female in a room full of men. I use my grit and determination to speak loudly in a room where I otherwise may not be heard. The opportunity comes when we can take the special skills of men and women to bridge the gap and offer different perspectives to come to the best possible outcome for all parties.

What can the industry do better to support women and increase the number of women in leadership positions?

Large associations like PMMI already offer several career building workshops and networking opportunities. Knowledge of these programs needs to be increased and spread across all ages of women in the industry and women interested in joining the industry.

A mentor program for up-and-coming professionals would be a great opportunity. Hearing from and being encouraged from women in leadership roles can be transformative. The biggest disservice we can do for the packaging world is to not harness the upcoming talent because they aren’t aware the packaging industry exists, or don’t feel as if they have a place in it. I feel that if we start introducing the industry before the future workforce decides their career path, the number of women in leadership positions will grow naturally.

What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in packaging? Network! Join packaging groups in college, get tours of businesses in the industry, talk to people, and understand the market. There are so many facets to packaging that the opportunities are endless. Find a mentor in the industry and really push yourself to be the best you can be. Others will see the efforts and will want to help you be successful. Remember to work hard and always be open to learning something new.

SPARTAN PARTS, A DIVISION OF FOGG FILLER, A PROMACH PRODUCT BRAND

Mission: Design-Create-Improve. We are professionals that enjoy solving complex customer needs by providing custom part design and fabrication for commercial equipment that makes your process run smoother and your products more pro table.

Location: Holland, Michigan

Leadership: Dale Newton – VP and General Manager

Revenue: Spartan Parts revenue is $3 million of Fogg Filler’s $60 million

Employees: 150-200

Facility: Two locations totaling over 219,000 sq ft.

Markets served: Global

Industries: Food and beverage, medical, and personal care.

Product range: Machine parts and upgrades for the owable liquids industry. Specializing in gravity lling machines, bottle rinsers, cappers, and bottle handling parts.