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Dec 08, 2023

Manali Ambekar: Breaking Gender Barriers in Boiler Industry

Growing up, Manali was inspired by her father’s success in business and always

Growing up, Manali was inspired by her father's success in business and always dreamed of following in his footsteps. After completing her education in sociology and psychology, she pursued her passion for business and obtained her Master's in the UK. Although she specialized in human resources, she soon realized that business management encompassed so much more than just HR.

With her newfound interest in all aspects of business management, Manali joined her family's manufacturing business, Trustwell Engineers. However, it was not an easy journey for her. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry was a challenge, and understanding the technical aspects of the business required her to put in countless hours of hard work and dedication.

Despite the obstacles, Manali persevered, gained knowledge and expertise in the field, and contributed significantly to the company's growth. She even established a new vertical called Trustwell Global Services, which focused on servicing and spares. Her vision and dedication helped take the company to an international level. Manali's story is inspiring not only because of her achievements but also because of her commitment to promoting gender equity in the manufacturing sector. As a young woman leader, she is a role model for others who aspire to succeed in male-dominated industries. Her passion and dedication to the business have made her a valuable asset to the company and an inspiration to many.

Founded in the year 2000 by technopreneur Dilip Ambekar, Trustwell Engineers has its manufacturing facilities at Shrirampur, near Shirdi, Maharashtra. They provide tailor-made solutions for WHRB, Economizers, Soot Blowers, Air Pre Heaters, Super Heaters, and other Boiler Accessories to suit various types of requirements. Trustwell Engineers has a team of highly qualified engineers with over three decades of combined experience in the field of Boilers, especially Waste Heat Recovery Boilers.

Manali Ambekar, Director of Human Resources at Trust Well Engineers Pvt Ltd, has been working hard to increase women's employment in manufacturing. Despite facing challenges in hiring women for shop floor and manufacturing positions, she remains optimistic about progress and believes that change is on the horizon. Historically, the manufacturing industry has been male-dominated, making it challenging to attract women. Manali recognizes the difficulty of changing perceptions and encouraging women to pursue careers in manufacturing. Despite this, she is striving to shift perceptions and raise awareness of the opportunities available in this industry.

Manali acknowledges the potential for women from rural areas to excel in manufacturing jobs. She believes that they are hardworking and have already proven themselves in various agricultural jobs. Thus, she is working to raise awareness among rural women about the opportunities available in the manufacturing industry. While promoting women's employment in manufacturing, Manali has encountered resistance from some male counterparts. However, she is determined to break these gender barriers and empower women in the town of Shrirampur, where her factory is located. Through her efforts, she hopes to make strides towards gender equality in the manufacturing industry.

Women's Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women around the world and advocate for gender equality. This year's theme, Embracing Equity, highlights the fact that true equality cannot be achieved without first addressing existing inequalities and working to create a level playing field for all. On this occasion, Manali shared, "Equity comes before equality because at the end of the day giving everyone an equal amount of chance is not going to everyone at a similar position".

One area where this is particularly relevant is in the manufacturing industry. For years, this sector has been dominated by men, with women often relegated to supporting roles in administration or logistics. However, as society has evolved and more women have entered the workforce, there is a growing recognition that women have much to offer in manufacturing as well. "Companies with more women in leadership positions tend to have better financial performance and more innovation. This makes sense when you consider the fact that women bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table, which can lead to more creative problem-solving and better decision-making", adds Manali.

Unfortunately, many women still face barriers when it comes to entering manufacturing. Stereotypes about gender roles and expectations can be difficult to overcome, and many women also struggle to balance their work with family responsibilities. However, there are some encouraging signs of progress. Manali is working to increase the number of women in their workforce by partnering with local colleges and offering job opportunities specifically for women in areas like welding and metalworking. This is a great example of how companies can take an active role in promoting gender equity and diversity. She said, "It's a time to aware women of their capability of being in the frontline of manufacturing as well. "

"But it's not just up to companies to make changes. We all have a role to play in creating a more equitable society, and that starts with challenging our own biases and assumptions. We need to recognize the value that women bring to all areas of the workforce, including manufacturing, and actively work to create more opportunities for them to succeed. At the same time, we also need to support women who are already in manufacturing by advocating for their safety, providing basic needs like transportation and childcare, and offering opportunities for training and development. This will not only help women succeed in their careers, but it will also benefit the entire industry by creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce", shares Manali Ambekar.

Manali Ambekar grew up watching her father Dilip Ambekar struggles while setting up Trustwell Engineers. She believes that her father is an inspiration who has a sense of history and a vision for the future. Dilip's dedication towards the company has been a driving force for Manali to work hard towards the growth of the organization. She also acknowledges her mother's contribution to the family's success.

Trustwell Engineers, with its team of highly qualified engineers with over three decades of combined experience in the field of Boilers, especially Waste Heat Recovery Boilers, is committed to excellence in engineering and designing tailor-made solutions that meet the highest industry standards. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made them a trusted name in the industry, delivering reliable and innovative solutions to their clients. Dilip's goal to make Trustwell a 100-crore company in the next two years is a thrilling prospect for Manali.

Manali Ambekar encourages women who aspire to enter the manufacturing sector to be passionate and determined. She believes that having crazy passion is essential to building something big and making a name in the industry. Manali encourages women to take charge and not let anything stop them. With her efforts towards promoting women's employment in manufacturing, Manali is making strides towards gender equality in the industry.

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