In the evolving landscape of manufacturing, Ziehl-Abegg’s North American headquarters showcases a growing shift in gender dynamics, highlighting the achievements of women thriving in various roles within the industry.
Five women, among them leaders and innovators, are redefining leadership and expertise, shifting perceptions of modern manufacturing.
“We’re committed to building an inclusive environment where women thrive in manufacturing roles,” stated Carmen Deese, Vice President of Human Resources, adding “These women represent the future of our industry — resilient, innovative, and dedicated to excellence.”
Career Growth and Opportunities
Kristyn Belcher’s journey in manufacturing began unexpectedly over a decade ago
Kristyn Belcher’s journey in manufacturing began unexpectedly over a decade ago. Without prior knowledge of the sector, she discovered her passion through service and repair, leading to her current role overseeing quality systems and supplier audits.
Her work has been pivotal in critical component localization projects across North America. She advises, “Don’t let your fears become your setbacks.”
Decades of Impact and Leadership
Mary Jane Beavers exemplifies long-term impact, having joined Ziehl-Abegg among its first U.S. employees. With over 15 years of experience, she now manages substantial global financial operations.
Reflecting on her journey from a small team of eight to a thriving workforce of over 400, she shares, “Be humble, work hard, and always smile.”
Transforming Quality Systems
Amanda Periman, Quality Manager, spearheads advancement in Ziehl-Abegg’s quality systems, expanding her team, innovating inspection processes, and facilitating ISO 3834 certification.
Her message to women in manufacturing is empowering: “Be confident — don’t let others convince you that you are not capable.”
Diverse Backgrounds in Manufacturing
Transitioning from a pharmacy operations manager to manufacturing, Eden Gauss exemplifies the value of diverse experiences.
Within two years, she rose to Senior Service Administrator, emphasizing the potential for growth
Within two years, she rose to Senior Service Administrator, emphasizing the potential for growth, when diverse backgrounds are valued. Her advice: “Don’t disqualify yourself — if you’re willing to learn, take the leap.”
Cheryl Heppner Francis, in just three years, progressed from an entry-level position to leading her assembly line team. For her, merit-based recognition is crucial: “Recognition should always be based on merit, not gender.”
Encouraging Diversity
Joachim Ley, CEO of Ziehl-Abegg Group, notes, “Manufacturing is at its best when it reflects the diversity of the world around us. These women not only contribute technical expertise and leadership, but also inspire the next generation to see a place for themselves in our industry.”
Through their stories, Ziehl-Abegg aims to inspire more women to pursue careers in manufacturing. This industry promises challenges, creativity, and the opportunity to shape the future.
Manufacturing has long been considered a male-dominated industry. At Ziehl-Abegg, that perception is changing. Five women at the company’s North American headquarters are not only thriving in their careers, but also reshaping what leadership, expertise, and growth look like in modern manufacturing.
“We’re committed to building an inclusive environment where women thrive in manufacturing roles,” said Carmen Deese, Vice President of Human Resources, adding “These women represent the future of our industry — resilient, innovative, and dedicated to excellence.”
For some, like Kristyn Belcher, a decade-long career began unexpectedly. With no prior exposure to manufacturing, she discovered her passion for quality through service and repair. Presently, she leads quality systems and supplier audits, and has contributed to all critical component localization projects in North America. Her advice for others: “Don’t let your fears become your setbacks.”
Impact over decades
Others have built their impact over decades. Mary Jane Beavers was among Ziehl-Abegg’s first U.S. employees. Now, with more than 15 years of service, she manages millions in global financial operations each week.
“Be humble, work hard, and always smile,” she says, reflecting on the lessons that carried her from a start-up-sized company of eight employees to one that now exceeds 400. Amanda Periman, Quality Manager, has driven growth and transformation in Ziehl-Abegg’s quality systems. She has grown her team, introduced new inspection processes, and helped the company achieve ISO 3834 certification.
She thrives on continuous improvement and ensuring that customers receive the highest quality products. Her encouragement for women in the field: “Be confident — don’t let others convince you that you are not capable.”
Shift to manufacturing
Some found manufacturing after starting in entirely different industries. Eden Gauss, once a licensed pharmacy operations manager, made the leap in 2022. Within two years, she was promoted to Senior Service Administrator, a role she sees as proof of what’s possible when companies value diverse experiences. “Don’t disqualify yourself — if you’re willing to learn, take the leap,” she advises.
Meanwhile, Cheryl Heppner Francis shows how quickly growth can happen. In just three years she advanced from an entry-level role to leading her line team in assembly. For her, manufacturing is about proving ability: “Recognition should always be based on merit, not gender.”
Together, these women demonstrate the breadth of opportunity within manufacturing — from finance and service to quality and production leadership.
Diversity of the world
“Manufacturing is at its best when it reflects the diversity of the world around us,” said Joachim Ley, CEO of Ziehl-Abegg Group, adding “These women not only contribute technical expertise and leadership but also inspire the next generation to see a place for themselves in our industry.”
Ziehl-Abegg hopes their stories will encourage more women to explore careers in manufacturing — an industry filled with challenges, creativity, and the chance to shape the future.
