Empowering Women in Manufacturing:
The Fres-co Way

Flexible, sustainable packaging is a dynamic and ever-changing industry, and Fres-co System USA, Inc. is at the forefront of innovation. We believe that diverse perspectives, particularly those of women, are essential for tackling the complex challenges and opportunities ahead. The women of Fres-co bring a wealth of experience, technical skills, and collaborative spirit to our team, enhancing our ability to create cutting-edge, sustainable solutions.

We’re not content with just meeting industry standards. At Fres-co, we’ve established the importance of Gender Equality within our Sustainable Development Goals (Goal #5 in our Key Areas of Focus), because we understand that a diverse and inclusive workforce drives success. The manufacturing industry is a powerhouse, yet women represent a mere 30% of its workforce, and even fewer hold leadership roles. Fres-co is committed to changing this narrative. We believe that fostering a gender-diverse workforce not only brings unique perspectives to problem-solving and innovation but also enriches our company culture.

Fostering a Supportive and Inclusive Workplace

Our dedication to gender equality is evident in the programs and policies we embrace:

• Women in Manufacturing (WiM): We actively participate in and encourage all of our employees to join the Eastern Pennsylvania chapter of Women in Manufacturing (WiM), a national organization that supports and empowers women in the industry. Through this group, Fres-co women have access to networking opportunities, mentorship, and professional development resources.
• Internal Initiatives for Connection: We’ve created a supportive internal community for our female employees with Lunch and Learns, a book club, and special celebrations for events like International Women’s Day. These initiatives foster camaraderie, mentorship, and shared learning among all the women at Fres-co.
• Family-Friendly Policies: We understand the importance of work-life balance, especially for working parents. We offer 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for women and one week for men, along with a private lactation room and flexible work arrangements to ease the transition back to work.
• Leadership Diversity: Fres-co is proud to have a strong female presence in leadership, including our CEO, Ileana Tovaglieri, and CFO, Michele Janis. Their success serves as an inspiration and testament to our commitment to promoting women to leadership roles.
• Health and Safety: Our commitment to employee well-being extends to our comprehensive safety program, which includes ergonomic considerations for diverse body types and on-site mammograms for added convenience.

Diverse Perspectives for a Stronger Future

Our commitment to gender equality extends beyond our company walls. We advocate for greater female representation and a more inclusive environment throughout the manufacturing sector.

Our ongoing “Women of Fres-co” series spotlights the women who contribute to our success. From production floor to leadership roles, their stories exemplify the diverse paths and contributions of women in manufacturing. Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the series and stay tuned for additional installments!

Join Us on Our Journey

At Fres-co, we’re building a future where diversity drives innovation and everyone feels empowered to contribute their best. If you’re seeking a career in an inclusive, supportive environment with ample opportunities for growth, explore the possibilities at Fres-co. Together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for the packaging industry.

For more than 40 years, Fres-co System USA, Inc. has manufactured high-performance flexible packaging systems and invented dozens of innovative breakthroughs including degassing valves, modified atmosphere technologies, and reclosure systems.

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