Women in the wire industry - Breaking the glass ceiling, one coil at a time

Traditionally, the wire drawing industry has been a "men's world," rooted in engineering-heavy manufacturing and a culture defined by masculine dominance. Yet, like a fine wire through a maze of prejudices, women are making their way into this complex, fascinating industry. While the journey isn’t without its challenges, the growing presence of women in key roles is reshaping the industry’s landscape, sparking innovation, collaboration, and diversity.

Swedish wire machinery manufacturer Lämneå Bruk pushes against gender stereotypes by creating an equal work environment and by empowering women to take over leading roles within the company. The company believes in flat hierarchies to unlock the full potential of their skilled workforce. Their inclusive environment where every voice matters, making Lämneå Bruk a place where diversity thrives, and collective growth is celebrated. Exemplary for their journey, we interviewed four women at Lämneå Bruk to better understand their experiences. Their stories reveal a blend of courage, growth, and humour, offering insights into the evolving role of women in this sector.

 From chance to choice

For many women, entering the wire industry wasn’t a lifelong dream—it was often coincidence. Take Therese Malmsten, for instance, who transitioned from healthcare to mining before finally landing in wire manufacturing as a purchaser at Lämneå Bruk. “I didn’t even know what a wiredrawing machine was,” she jokes. But today, Therese thrives in her role, managing subcontractor relations and supply chains with ease, proving that adaptability and curiosity can lead to unexpected career fulfillment.

Anna Jonsson, team leader in the paint shop, echoes this sentiment. She shifted from dairy farming to industrial work, seeking better hours to balance her family life. Now, she leads a team, assessing priorities with precision and enjoying the varied tasks the job offers.

For Felicia, a freight assistant, her passion for mechanics and logistics was sparked by a childhood in motorsport. Meanwhile, Sukaina, an electrical assembler, turned away from economics into electrical engineering, driven by her desire for practical work and a fair dose of Scandinavian pragmatism (“Piteå (a town in Northern Sweden) was just too cold,” she jokes).

 Challenges ahead

While these women navigate a male-dominated field, their experiences vary. Sukaina highlights subtle comments like “watch your nails,” while Therese reflects on how her younger self struggled more with confidence in male-dominated spaces. Yet, across the board, these women emphasize that the challenges can be conquered.

“I think women sometimes bring an attention to detail that’s crucial in our work,” says Sukaina. She adds, with a laugh, that her error-free record in electrical assembly might just prove her point. Anna notes that women often contribute a precision that complements the straightforwardness of male colleagues, creating a balanced and effective work environment.

The sometimes-hard physical labour in the manufacturing industry is often cited as a barrier, but modern tools and processes are leveling the field. As Felicia puts it, “Today, it doesn’t matter what gender you are—if you enjoy it, it’s worth giving it a shot.”

 Building careers and breaking stereotypes

Milestones are a recurring theme in their stories. Felicia recalls the pride of completing her first machine assembly, while Anna beams when describing her transition to team leader. Sukaina cherishes seeing the entire production chain and understanding the machines she helps create, having started by assembling electrical cabinets without knowing their purpose.

Perhaps most inspiring is their shared sense of pride in contributing to the industry’s growth and international reach. As Therese rightly summarizes, “I had no idea how big Lämneå Bruk is internationally and I think it’s great to contribute to this growing customer base.”

A word of advice

So, what does the future hold for women in the wire industry? Progress, these women agree, is visible. More women are joining the field, and companies like Lämneå Bruk are actively fostering inclusive environments.

Yet, barriers remain. Anna and Sukaina both emphasize the need for better marketing to showcase industrial roles to women. “If we show what we do and how we work, more women might dare to try,” says Sukaina.

Anna’s advice? “Learn about the company culture—places like Lämneå Bruk are different and offer variety in tasks.”

Therese adds, “It’s not about being big and strong anymore. If you’re curious, take the leap.”

 Final thoughts

As these women pave the way for others, the wire industry stands at a crossroads. With increasing visibility, supportive workplaces, and more women breaking the glass ceiling, the future looks promising. The challenges are real, but the opportunities are boundless.

And as Lämneå Bruk proves, diversity isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, thrives and contributes to shaping the industry’s future.

Who knows? Maybe one day, “women in the wire industry” will be less of a rare headline and more of a norm. But for now, these empowered women are showing us how to draw new lines in an old industry.

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