Kickstart: Expanding the image of what women do, how they ‘break molds'

I was reading the comments on an article about electric vehicles — yeah, I know: Never read the comments! — when I saw one from a person whinging that the article was written by a woman. "Women aren't into cars," the commenter said.

So... we're still at that level?

The article was about Ford's electric F-150, which happens to have a woman, Linda Zhang, as its chief engineer.

Shortly before reading that story, I'd listened to a report about a majority-female pit crew whose team won a spot at the Indy 500 race.

Look, we shouldn't still be in a place where women are seen as an unexpected presence on shop floors, design studios, materials labs or corner offices. But yet we are.

That's why Plastics News' Women Breaking the Mold special report each year — and a networking conference — continues to be important. Too often we're still seen as an exception, rather than a regular part of the workforce at every level.

Now it's time to recognize women who are leaders in the plastics industry, whether in offices or on shop floors. This requires women themselves to speak up.

We're looking for nominations for the class of 2021 for Women Breaking the Mold. You can nominate someone you know, or nominate yourself.

We're asking for some basic background information as well as some insight as to what molds you're breaking.

We'll use responses to the nomination form to help shape editorial coverage. Features on this year's Women Breaking the Mold will go into the July 26 issue of Plastics News.

The deadline for submissions is June 21. Go to www.plasticsnews.com/wbmsurvey to start your nomination.

I know a lot of you question why we run so many stories about electric vehicles. Beyond the fact that there are a lot of plastics in each battery cell, EVs could upend the auto supply infrastructure.

You don't need to take my word for it. Daron Gifford with consulting group Plante Moran points out in a perspective column (originally printed in our sister paper Automotive News but now also on PN) that suppliers need to be prepared.

"These technology changes will profoundly impact every aspect of the auto industry, from manufacturers to dealerships to gas stations to the whole universe of suppliers. Of those categories, suppliers will likely face the biggest disruptions — and the biggest opportunities," Gifford writes.

Almost every company out there has a story about the difficulties in finding and retaining workers in a tight labor market.

Vinyl window and door maker MI Windows and Doors is investing $27 million to expand production in a booming construction industry. It is also adding 97 new jobs and announced that it is increasing its starting pay for all of its 10 sites.

At its headquarters facility in Pennsylvania, starting pay is going up to $20 per hour.

"We have a rich history in Central Pennsylvania, and we're excited to expand our presence here," MI CEO Matt DeSoto said. "This project will add great paying jobs and increase our production capabilities, making it a win-win for our team, our community, and our customers."