Celebrating Click Bond’s Women in Manufacturing

Celebrating Women's History Month and International Women's Day! 

Did you know that women only account for less than one of every three American manufacturing workers, even thought they make up half the workforce? Yet the perspective and talent they contribute to the field are vital. And as many Click Bonders can attest, manufacturing provides tremendous career opportunities for women of all backgrounds and experience levels.

In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month, and March 8th is International Women’s Day, a global day to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. 

In honor of the occasion, we’re recognizing just a handful of the women at Click Bond who have become part of its history and success.

Shawna Stroud, Production Technician II:
Shawna began working for Click Bond 15 years ago, in 2008. She began in Shipping, and it was the first job she had ever held outside the childcare field. Today, Shawna’s work involves hand assembly, putting clips and base plates on nutplates. Her favorite part of working here? “Everyone’s really close. We’re like a family.”

Josefina Maldonado, Production Technician II:
Josefina began working at Click Bond 10 years ago, in January 2013. Originally from Mexico, she lived in Los Angeles for a while before moving to Carson City, where a friend who was employed at Click Bond recommended that she apply. “I heard this company was very good and took good care of its employees,” she says. “I love it. That’s why I’ve been here for so many years.”

Jill Martin, Automation Production Technician I:
Jill celebrated her 20th year at Click Bond in September 2022. She applied at a time when unemployment was at a whopping 16% — herself being among them. “I went to Kinko’s and had 100 resumes made, and I just blanketed the area!” she recalls. “Click Bond was the first to call me back. I came to the office and filled out an application, and this lady came over and started asking me questions. After I left, I got home to find a message from Rase (Heinrich) on my answering machine, asking me to come in for an interview. Later on, I found out the woman who had been asking me questions was Collie Hutter.”

Since then, Jill has earned a machine tool technology degree, worked with CNC machines, learned to operate fixture nutplate assembly machines (FNAMs), and begun classes to earn her MT1 certification. She also is learning right now how to fix FNAMs and train others to do the same. For Jill, being a Click Bonder is a family affair: Her mother worked here for three years, until she passed away in 2007. She also met her late husband here, on his first day on the job. Today, Jill’s son, Chris Olney, is one of Click Bond’s Senior Production Technicians. 

Mar Valtierra, Production Technician II: 
Born in Mexico City, Mar is one of many Click Bonders who came to work here on the advice of a friend, in 2018. Prior to joining our team, Mar was a Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, with Carson-Tahoe Health. “I decided to apply, and they called me right away … I changed everything in my life when I came here,” she remembers, explaining that she was ready for a different kind of job. “Since then, I am so happy! 

Among the many aspects of her work that she enjoys is her colleagues — particularly her supervisor, Melina Anguiano, who she says is patient and friendly and can turn a bad day into a good one. She also likes the opportunity to cross-train, which means that every day is different and which enables her to grow professionally. How would she explain the Click Bond culture? “It’s fantastic. We have ups and downs, but at the end of the day, we all work together toward the same things. We are a good team. I have great coworkers.”

Genoveva Mejorado, Senior Assembly Technician: 
Genoveva came to Click Bond 16 years ago, also on the advice of a friend. “I was looking for a job, and she said, ‘Click Bond is hiring, the company is growing every day, we have new buildings. If you’re interested, go apply.’ So I did, and they hired me.”

She’s seen a lot of changes in her 16 years — new buildings, new people, and new positions. But she still feels at home here. “I feel like it’s a family. I really enjoy this company … and the benefits too!” 

Sally West, Production Technician III:
This month marks Sally’s 20th anniversary at Click Bond. “I was in need of a job. I was going through temporary services, and somebody said to me, ‘If you want to go work for a good place, try Click Bond.’ So I came in and filled out an application.” Within two weeks, she was hired. Though she’s changed roles a few times, she has remained on the production floor, where she is very happy and intends to remain until she retires, which she hopes will be in the next year or so.
 
In addition to the family-oriented culture, Sally says she enjoys knowing that her work adds value. It’s something she’s very passionate about. “I hope whoever ends up taking over this position cares as much 
as I do about it and works as hard,” she says. “If something doesn’t look right, don’t let it pass.”

To these six special Click Bonders and all the other women of manufacturing, our deepest thanks for all you do!