Furlan Machines strengthens female presence in technical areas
Company invests in diversity and values women's performance in sectors historically dominated by men
Máquinas Furlan, a leader in the crushing equipment market, highlights the role of women in technical and production areas, reinforcing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the mining sector. "We believe that the participation of women at all levels of the company is essential to our success. They bring new perspectives and experiences that drive innovation in our industry," says Juliana Pires, Human Resources Manager at Furlan.
On March 8, International Women's Day, Furlan highlights the trajectory of five professionals who, in sectors historically under-occupied by women, conquered new spaces and expanded horizons in their careers. This initiative reinforces the value of diversity and the transformative potential of women's presence in the industry.
Full Designer, Amanda Silva
Disclosure: Talita Oliveira, on the left, Amanda Silva, on the right
Amanda Silva has been with the company for almost five years, and started as an engineering intern during the pandemic, and has steadily progressed until she reached her current position. A Mechanical Engineering student at the Piracicaba School of Engineering (EEP), she highlights the challenge of landing her first internship in a predominantly male environment.
“It was hard to get my first opportunity, because I saw my colleagues — men, without experience like me — quickly joining other companies, while I took a long time to be called. It was difficult at first, but here at Furlan I feel comfortable. I was the first woman in engineering, and my colleagues are very supportive. I like development and modeling, and it motivates me to see the improvements I develop being implemented in the factory,” she says.
Full Project Analyst, Talita Oliveira
A production engineer with a degree from Unicamp, Talita began her career at Furlan through a Final Course Project (TCC), focused on process optimization and finite element simulations. Since childhood, she worked on technical activities by helping her father in a bicycle shop, something unusual for a girl. “I have always seen few female role models in these areas, and there is still a shortage of women in engineering,” she emphasizes.
After her internship and tenure, she is currently pursuing a master's degree in Manufacturing and Production Engineering, also in partnership with the company. "The hardest part is usually entering a predominantly male environment. But once you show competence, opportunities appear," she says. The engineer also mentions a phrase that inspires her: "If I'm going to lose, let it be by selling at a high price. It's a question of resilience and strength. I don't know if I'll win or lose, but I'll fight until the end and value my work."
Occupational Safety Technician , Renata Fires
Disclosure: Occupational Safety Technician, Renata Fires
With almost 20 years of experience in HR, Renata arrived at Furlan in search of a new challenge: to practice Occupational Safety. At the age of 50, she changed her career path, trading in high heels for safety footwear. Since then, she has been working directly in the accident prevention culture, alongside more than 400 employees.
"I once found our CEO standing on a stool to change a watch battery. I told him that it wasn't safe and asked for help from maintenance. He got the message and now he no longer enters the factory without PPE," she says. The professional emphasizes that everyone's involvement — from leadership to the factory floor — is essential for a safety culture.
Renata explains that her concern for workers' health comes from personal experience. According to her, her father worked in a quarry at a time when PPE was almost non-existent. He developed health problems and that was very striking. "I see this as an opportunity to protect our employees so that they don't go through what my father went through. My daily goal is to ensure that our employees go home as well as they arrived at the start of the workday," emphasizes Renata.
Contract Administration and Material Planning Coordinator, Márcia Jacomassi
Disclosure: Contract Administration and Material Planning Coordinator, Márcia Jacomassi
A mechanical engineer, with a specialization in Occupational Safety and an MBA in Production and Operations Management, Marcia began her career at Furlan as a service provider, being promoted to contract administration coordinator in 2021 and, later, also taking on the complexity of the materials planning area of the equipment and services divisions.
"Since there are many more men in the engineering and production areas, it seems more natural for them to occupy these spaces. So for a woman to be part of this environment is always a challenge, almost like having to change a paradigm and constantly prove her ability", she reflects. She emphasizes that Furlan offers training and encourages professional development, ensuring the constant improvement of teams.
"I am very happy to see Furlan's potential and the openness it has given to diversity. It is gratifying to see more and more women in the technical and production sectors, as this female presence strengthens not only the company's innovation and adaptability, but also creates a collaborative and inclusive work environment", concludes Márcia.
Robot Operator, Vitória Perboni
Disclosure: Robot Operator, Vitória Perboni
New to Furlan, Vitória works in the operation and programming of welding robots — cutting-edge technology in equipment manufacturing. With a technical background in Machining Mechanics and Mechanical Manufacturing, she already had previous experience in the area. "I hope to open doors for other women in production. Today, equipment and overhead cranes require physical strength, making the work safe and accessible for women," she explains. Vitória plans to share her knowledge in robot programming.
Although she has only been with the company for a short time, she says she is motivated by the progress she has made and the prospect of growth. "Finding an environment that values innovation and encourages me to seek more knowledge. Being able to combine the practice of operating robots with in-depth programming is something that makes me believe in a promising future, both for myself and for other professionals who want to enter the field," she concludes.
About Furlan Machines
Máquinas Furlan is a manufacturer of solutions for the mining industry. With a portfolio of 150 pieces of equipment, the company offers a wide range of accessories and spare parts cast in steel to serve the mining sector.
Founded in 1962, in the city of Limeira, in the interior of the State of São Paulo, Furlan has established itself as a reference in Brazil, South, Central and North America.
In the 210,000 m² industrial park, the manufacturer brings together technological resources and trained professionals for the development and manufacture of products used in comminution operations (crushing, grinding and milling) and in mineral processing (classification, transportation, pyroprocessing, etc.).
Publications:
https://ibram.org.br/noticia/maquinas-furlan-strengthens-female-presence-in-technical-areas/
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=666812099019151&id=100070711009973&_rdr