The Women of Fres-co, Part III: Perspectives from the Production Floor

Women are a growing force in American manufacturing. While the sector at large has rebounded to employ roughly 12.1 million people, making it the fifth-largest employer in the U.S. according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the evolving role of women in the industry is especially noteworthy. With 30% of manufacturing jobs being filled by women, there is an emerging platform from which manufacturing companies can build a more gender-balanced future.

At Fres-co, we’re proud to partner with the talented women who are shaping the future of the packaging industry. Their diverse perspectives, strong technical skills, and collaborative approach are invaluable as we work together to push manufacturing further.

To celebrate International Women’s Day and to continue our series highlighting the remarkable women at Fres-co, we turn our attention to the manufacturing floor—where innovation meets execution. These women bring diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives to roles that have traditionally been male-dominated, from maintenance technicians to ink specialists and machine operators.

For more stories, check out the first and second editions in the series highlighting our team of women.

The Featured Women of Fres-co System USA, Inc.

The women profiled in this third edition represent a diverse range of experiences, skills, and aspirations. From maintenance technicians and ink specialists to machine operators, they all contribute to a powerful collective of women reshaping the landscape of packaging.
This installment highlights the following women team members at Fres-co:

Discovering Manufacturing: The Unexpected Career Path

Recent industry studies show that 71% of women enter the manufacturing industry unintentionally, compared to 56% of men. Most women report joining the industry through job postings, co-op programs, and recruitment, whereas most men join the industry through family businesses, apprenticeships or internships, and STEM programs. Companies need to intentionally create educational and career opportunities for women and introduce manufacturing as a career to young women early.

At Fres-co, we’ve seen how these diverse entry points bring valuable perspectives and fresh thinking to our operations. Our team members’ varied professional backgrounds have enriched our workplace culture and enhanced our problem-solving capabilities.

Jaime Lepold, an Ink Technician, entered the manufacturing industry when she joined Fres-co three years ago, departing from her customer service background. Seeking an entirely different career path, she toured the Fres-co campus after coming across the open role and was mesmerized when taken into the enclosure for one of the printing presses.

“I was amazed by the whole process,” says Jaime. “I remember being introduced to the press operator and saying, ‘This is better than the Mr. Rogers episode when they went to the crayon factory!’”

As an Ink Technician, Jaime orchestrates a complex dance of color and chemistry that brings packaging designs to life. Each day finds her expertly matching colors, crafting precise ink formulations, and managing inventory to keep production flowing smoothly. At the press, she meticulously tests samples to ensure every product meets exact customer specifications.

Both Melissa (Missy) Kayser, Slitter Operator, and Ann Silvius, Finish Team Leader / Pouch Machine Operator, have been with Fres-co for over two decades and previously worked in roles outside of manufacturing.

Prior to coming to Fres-co, Missy worked as a restaurant server before joining our team as a Press Assistant. Throughout her 22-year journey at Fres-co, Missy has immersed herself in every aspect of flexible packaging production, from initial printing and lamination to the construction of bags and pouches. Her initial role as a Press Assistant has provided her with knowledge that serves her in her current role as a Slitter Operator, being able to quickly identify defects and other issues.

On the production floor, Missy Keyser operates several slitting systems, maintains schedules, and fine-tunes equipment setups, maintaining peak operational efficiency. With an eagle eye for quality, she scrutinizes each run for even the smallest imperfection, ensuring every product meets Fres-co’s exacting standards.

Before finding her calling in flexible packaging 26 years ago, Ann Silvius, Finish Team Leader / Pouch Machine Operator, explored various roles across the service industry—from styling hair to retail service at the Lehigh Valley Mall, where she even spent time as a coffee grinder, perfecting the art of customer service.

At Fres-co, Ann’s versatility has become her hallmark. She has mastered nearly every aspect of production, evolving from Bag Operator to Slitter Operator, then advancing to Quality Technician before taking on her current role as Finish Team Leader / Pouch Machine Operator.

Fostering Growth Through Continuous Learning

In the rapidly evolving packaging industry, continuous learning isn’t just an advantage—it’s essential. Women in manufacturing consistently demonstrate a remarkable commitment to professional development, often seeking out opportunities to expand their skill sets and master new technologies. This dedication to growth not only enhances individual careers but also drives innovation and excellence across the industry. At Fres-co, our women team members exemplify this spirit of continuous improvement, regularly taking on new challenges and expanding their expertise across multiple operational areas.

“My goal is and has always been to learn and grow, both in skills and position,” says Chelsea Frey, Plastic Maintenance Technician, who transformed her career by seizing opportunities to expand beyond her initial role as a Plastic Machine Operator. Her journey to becoming the facility’s first female maintenance technician demonstrates how determination and a passion for learning can open new doors in manufacturing.

As one of Fres-co’s maintenance technicians, Chelsea is skilled in finding the delicate balance of preventive care and rapid problem-solving. Each day brings new challenges as she meticulously inspects and maintains the Fres-co’s machinery, ready to diagnose and resolve issues at a moment’s notice.

Working in close concert with the Plastics team, she fine-tunes operations to maximize efficiency and minimize waste —a crucial element in today’s sustainability-conscious manufacturing environment. Collaboration with the Quality team adds another layer to her responsibilities.

The supportive learning environment at Fres-co has been crucial to these successes. Team members praise not only the availability of training opportunities but also the opportunities for collaboration with colleagues.

Chelsea Frey adds, “When you have different people from all walks of life, with all different experiences, it helps all of us to solve existing and potential problems by bouncing ideas off one other.”

Success Strategies for Building Inclusion

Fostering a workplace where women feel valued, supported, and empowered is crucial for their success in the packaging industry. At Fres-co, we are committed to building an inclusive environment that attracts, retains, and advances women. We believe that creating an environment that works for everyone, regardless of gender, ultimately benefits all.

Here are a few of the ways we’re working towards this goal:

• Empowering women in decision-making: We champion the voices of women by actively encouraging their participation in strategic discussions and decision-making processes at all levels.
• Cultivating a supportive network: Through initiatives like our Women in Manufacturing (WiM) events, we provide a safe and inclusive space for women to connect, share ideas, offer support, and learn from each other’s experiences. The WiM organization seeks to provide a meeting ground for women in manufacturing to expand their local network, build valuable business relationships, and enjoy industry-related programming.
• Supporting working parents: We understand the demands of balancing work and family life. That’s why we offer 12 weeks of paid parental leave for women and 1 week for men, along with a private Lactation Room and other accommodations to ensure a smooth transition back to work.

Discover Your Potential at Fres-co

At Fres-co, we’re committed to creating a workplace that is not only innovative and rewarding but also inclusive, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Contact us to learn about our career opportunities or to learn more about the Fres-co women featured in this edition.

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.

Topics: Women In Manufacturing, Women of Fres-co

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